Why do we appoint a Guardian when a Will is made? This is to ensure that your Children will not be placed into care until the Courts are able to appoint official Guardians to look after them. This can often be a lengthy process so having Guardians in place within your will allows the children to go straight into the care of your chosen Guardians.

As a Guardian they will be responsible for the wellbeing and safety of the children. This includes ensuring the child and or children are fed, clothed, attend school and are generally cared for very much in the same way their parents would. This will continue all the way through until they reach adulthood. When assigning a Guardian you should take this decision very seriously and this agreement should not be entered into without deep thought.

What should be considered:

• The Guardians will take on the role of parent to your children
• If you where to fail to name Guardians in your Will means that the care of minor children will be decided by the Courts
• You must ensure that the person(s) you are naming as the Guardian to raise your children are willing to do so
• Where possible, financial provisions should be made for the children
• You should look to consider the age of those you are naming as a Guardian and where possible name more than one
  

Who should act as a Guardian?

The usual choice is to appoint a family member, this is more often the case if you have particularly young children. Although when your children are slightly older it is also usual to appoint close friends. As previously mentioned it is important to consider the age of the Guardian you are naming and where possible name more than one in the case of Ill Health and Death.