What is Guardianship?
Guardianship refers to a decision made by a court to assign the responsibility of looking after a child or child's property, or in some cases, both, to a person other than a child's parents. Guardianship gives the guardian all the responsibilities, duties, and rights that a parent has, allowing the guardian to play a key role in making important decisions in a child's life, until the child is the age of majority - usually 18 years old.
Roles and Responsibility of a Guardian
Guardianship requires the guardian to take on many roles and responsibilities. A guardian is accountable for the general welfare of a child on a day-to-day basis. This includes, but is not limited to, providing a safe and secure home for a child and ensuring the child is getting an education, is well-fed, etc. A guardian is also expected to contribute towards a child's physical, emotional and mental development.
Types of Guardianship
There are two categories of guardianship: personal and estate. Personal guardianship involves caring for a child's personal needs. Estate guardianship involves caring for the wealth and estate (property) of a child, including the financial aspects of the estate. Often, the same person is appointed as the personal and estate guardian.
Advantages of Appointing a Guardian
There are many advantages to designating a guardian for your children.
Security - Appointing a guardian provides security and safety for your child. It is always nice to have someone make good decisions on your child's behalf, and to give your child much needed love and care when you are unable to do so.
Support system - Appointing a guardian provides a strong support system for your child. This is especially important for children with mental disabilities, to help them avoid situations wherein they could be taken advantage of.
Peace of mind - Appointing a guardian gives parents peace of mind, knowing that a legal guardian will be responsible for everything related to your child.
Conclusion
If you are a parent worried about the future of your child after you are gone, consider naming a trusted person as your child's guardian. With 10MinuteWill.com, you can easily name a guardian for your child by answering simple questions and following the on-screen instructions. Check out 10MinuteWill.com today to see just how easy it is to ensure a steady future for your child.