Question 1

Why are special estate planning documents important when I have minor children?

Accepted Answer

Estate planning for parents involves more than deciding who will inherit your assets. It also allows you to plan for who will care for your children, who will manage assets for them, and who can make important decisions on their behalf if you are unavailable or unable to do so.

Question 2

What is a Nomination of Guardian?

Accepted Answer

A Nomination of Guardian allows you to formally identify the person or persons you would want to care for your minor children if neither parent is able to do so. Although a court ultimately appoints the guardian, your written nomination provides important guidance regarding whom you have chosen to care for your children.

Question 3

What is a Minor Child Power of Attorney?

Accepted Answer

A Minor Child Power of Attorney allows a parent to temporarily authorize another trusted adult to act on behalf of a child in specified circumstances. Depending on the document, this may include matters such as school, childcare, activities, and other day-to-day needs when a parent is temporarily unavailable.

Question 4

How can I authorize someone to obtain medical care for my child?

Accepted Answer

A written health care authorization can give a trusted adult authority to obtain medical or dental care for your child when you are unavailable. This can be especially helpful when children regularly spend time with grandparents, caregivers, or other trusted family members.

Question 5

How does my estate plan protect the inheritance I leave to my children?

Accepted Answer

Rather than having assets pass directly to a child at a young age, your trust can provide for those assets to be managed by a trustee you select. You can specify how the funds may be used for your child and when your child should ultimately receive control of the inheritance, allowing you to provide financial protection well beyond age 18.

WILLS & TRUSTS | ESTATE PLANNING

ESTATE PLANNING

Guardianship Planning

Your children's well-being is one of life's most important responsibilities.

Guardianship planning allows you to care for your minor children if you are not able to do so. This planning is an essential part of your comprehensive estate plan.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE INCLUDED?

Our Guardianship Services Include:

NOMINATION OF GUARDIAN
Name the individual(s) to care for your child(ren) and include back-up names so you have peace of mind.

MINOR POWER OF ATTORNEY
Authorize a trusted adult to handle day-to-day decisions for your child(ren) if you are not able (e.g., school, travel)

MINOR'S HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE
Allow a trusted adult to make medical decisions for your child(ren) if you are unable.

Important Considerations

Choosing a guardian is a deeply personal decision. We can help you think through important factors, such as:

Who shares your values and parenting style

Who is willing and able to take on the responsibility

In what location where your children live

How do these choices fit with your overall estate plan

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why are special estate planning documents important when I have minor children?

What is a Nomination of Guardian?

What is a Minor Child Power of Attorney?

How can I authorize someone to obtain medical care for my child?

How does my estate plan protect the inheritance I leave to my children?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

LET'S PLAN FOR WHAT MATTERS MOST

Plan Today For Their Tomorrow

ESTATE PLANNING

Guardianship Planning

Your children's well-being is one of life's most important responsibilities.

Guardianship planning allows you to care for your minor children if you are not able to do so. This planning is an essential part of your comprehensive estate plan.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE INCLUDED?

Our Guardianship Services Include:

NOMINATION OF GUARDIAN Name the individual(s) to care for your child(ren) and include back-up names so you have peace of mind.

MINOR POWER OF ATTORNEY Authorize a trusted adult to handle day-to-day decisions for your child(ren) if you are not able (e.g., school, travel)

MINOR'S HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE Allow a trusted adult to make medical decisions for your child(ren) if you are unable.

Important Considerations

Choosing a guardian is a deeply personal decision. We can help you think through important factors, such as:

Who shares your values and parenting style Who is willing and able to take on the responsibility In what location where your children live How do these choices fit with your overall estate plan

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why are special estate planning documents important when I have minor children?

What is a Nomination of Guardian?

What is a Minor Child Power of Attorney?

How can I authorize someone to obtain medical care for my child?

How does my estate plan protect the inheritance I leave to my children?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

LET'S PLAN FOR WHAT MATTERS MOST

Plan Today For Their Tomorrow

NOMINATION OF GUARDIAN
Name the individual(s) to care for your child(ren) and include back-up names so you have peace of mind.

MINOR POWER OF ATTORNEY
Authorize a trusted adult to handle day-to-day decisions for your child(ren) if you are not able (e.g., school, travel)

MINOR'S HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE
Allow a trusted adult to make medical decisions for your child(ren) if you are unable.

Who shares your values and parenting style

Who is willing and able to take on the responsibility

In what location where your children live

How do these choices fit with your overall estate plan