(513) 916-1600A troubling question lingers in the whirlwind of life’s unpredictable events: what if something were to happen to you? Where would your children reside? Perhaps with their grandparents, but which ones? What about their schooling and upbringing – have you charted that out? Pondering these uncertainties, especially around mortality, can be unsettling.
Yet, for parents, foreseeing and planning for these unforeseeable moments is paramount. Whether it’s for minor children or young adults, Krugler Law stands as your beacon, committed to safeguarding their future when you might not be around.
Essentials in Planning for a Minor Child
While devising a plan for your minor child, ensure you consider:
- Temporary Guardianship: Immediate caretakers in emergencies, preventing children from being handed over to agencies.
- Permanent Guardianship: Appointing a legal guardian in the event of your untimely demise before they turn 18.
- Guardian Instructions: Specific directives to both temporary and permanent guardians detailing your child-rearing preferences.
- Powers of Attorney: Empower an attorney-in-fact to decide for your children when you’re incapacitated.
- Health Care Surrogate Designation: Ensures your child’s medical needs are addressed during travels or emergencies without you.
Guardian Selection: Factors to Consider
Guardianship decisions weigh heavily. When considering choices, parents should reflect upon:
- Child’s age vs. potential guardian’s age.
- The guardian’s religious orientation, values, and parenting approach.
- Guardian’s life phase (marital status, children, employment, etc.).
- Proximity of the guardian’s residence.
- The existing bond between guardian and your children.
- Guardian’s willingness (engage in a dialogue beforehand).
- Guardian’s financial stability and sense of responsibility.
Young Adult Planning Essentials
As Cincinnati youth transition to adulthood, they inherit new responsibilities. Just as you instruct them in life skills like driving or job interviews, it’s pivotal to initiate conversations about financial and personal safety. Essential components for young adult planning include:
- Durable Power of Attorney: Appointing a responsible party for financial and personal decisions during incapacitation.
- Last Will and Testament: Encourage a basic will, especially given young adults’ penchant for adventurous endeavors.
- Health Care Surrogate Designation: Someone to make medical decisions during incapacitation.
- Living Will: Detailed directives about life-sustaining treatments during terminal illnesses.
- Digital Asset Management: A comprehensive spreadsheet detailing digital credentials for ease of access during emergencies.
Engage with Krugler Law Today for Minor Children & Young Adult Planning
Crafting a roadmap for unexpected eventualities, especially around minor children and young adult planning, demands precision and sensitivity. Rely on Krugler Law to ensure your children’s future remains protected. For a comprehensive consultation, contact our Cincinnati office today.
