It's difficult to decide who will take care of your child if you die, but it's a situation you must consider.
Estate planners say naming a guardian is crucial. Otherwise, the child will be an orphan whose fate is entirely up to a judge. Though a judge will appoint the guardian, they almost always choose the person named in the will.
If you change your mind in years to come, a new guardian can be named by changing your will. The guardian doesn't have to be a blood relative.
Parents often disagree on who would be the best person or couple. Each should make a list of their top five choices and see if they both name someone.
Spend time with the person or couple you are considering. See if they like and get along with your child and how your child interacts with their children.
Location, religion and education take on more importance when raising the child. Someone in another state might be your choice, but uprooting your child from school, friends and community would be a problem.
Look at a person's money and lifestyle. Can they afford to do it? Would taking on another child mean they have to add a room to their home? Many wills leave a guardian gift to add on a room or buy a van; $20,000 is a popular amount for a gift or life insurance proceeds.
Attorneys say if you can't find the perfect person, an imperfect one is better than none at all. Additionally, odds are that this person will never be called upon to serve. You'll live long enough to raise your child yourself.
Talk to the chosen one. The perfect person may already be a prospective guardian for other people's children.
Move on to your next-best choice.