Archive for the ‘California Guardianship Attorney’ Category

« Older Entries

Estate Planning for Single Parents in Newport Beach

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013

Single parents tend to work hard for their children, so it’s no wonder that those in Newport Beach want to protect the children they could leave behind should the adult be killed or become incapacitated.  Every day it falls to the single parent to provide just about everything for his or her children, and with 13 million single parent households in the US, there are a whole lot of folks doing their best to provide everything their children need today.  Working with a Newport Beach guardianship lawyer is the right step to make sure they are also provided for in the future.

As a single parent, your estate plan may look different from that of a married parent.  In those cases, there are laws in place to ensure that property and custody both have a means of passing to the surviving spouse.  In your case, however, the courts would determine your next of kin and disperse your property, as well as appoint a guardian, based on California state laws.  While it’s great that there are laws like this to rely on when a single parent dies with no will in place, it’s not necessarily such a wonderful thing if the person/people named are not those you would have chosen yourself.

For example, it’s quite common for grandparents to be given custody of a child upon the parent’s death.  In many families, that would be the perfect choice.  In others, however, a better choice could be made.  Perhaps there has been a falling out between family members, or it’s possible that the grandparents are either too old or just otherwise not in the right place in their lives to be starting over raising children.

Clearly, appointing a guardian for your child or children is one of the most pressing issues for which to see an estate planning attorney in Newport Beach.  It’s not the only one, though.  This lawyer can also help you to create a financial plan that can help support your child even if you aren’t there.  You might be advised to look into a life insurance policy or to participate in a California college savings plan.  Likely, an guardianship lawyer in Newport Beach will also help you to create a trust or trusts that can not only protect some of that money from being heavily taxed, but also give you some say over how the money is to be used and by whom.

An estate planning attorney will also help you to make sure that everything is in order.  He or she will ask you about bank accounts, insurance policies, retirement accounts, and even military service, as all of these can possibly be directed to the care of your child or children.  Every family, no matter what the marital status is, is unique.  With the help of a Newport Beach will and trust lawyer, you can put together a plan that works for your specific situation.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in California Child Protection, California Guardianship Attorney, newport beach estate planning attorney, newport beach trust attorney, Newport Beach wills and trusts attorney, Orange County Estate Planning, Orange County Wills and Trusts | No Comments »

Trust Lawyer in Newport Beach Answers, “What is a Conservatorship or an Adult Guardian?”

Wednesday, June 20th, 2012

The idea of conservatorships really came before the mainstream population a few years back when pop idol Britney Spears seemed to have an emotional breakdown right in front of the public eye.  At that time, her father was named as her conservator.  The term sounds like a babysitter, at best, or like a harsh authoritarian with financial power, at worst.  So, what is a conservatorship, really?

A conservatorship in Orange County is ordered by the courts in cases where an individual is unable to make his or her own decisions—typically as they relate to finances and healthcare.  When someone has been found unsuitable for such decisions, someone else is named to make them.  This person is called the conservator.  Someone who has been appointed to take care of financial matters, is called a “conservator of the estate,” and someone appointed to make personal and medical decisions is called a “conservator of the person.”  (In some cases, the person who makes personal decisions for someone who is incapacitated is referred to as the “guardian.”)  One person may fill both roles.

Situations That Warrant a Conservatorship

Conservators are granted to people who have been found to be somehow “incapacitated.”  In some areas, this is also referred to as being a “protected person.”  To fit the criteria, the person in question will generally need to have a mental impairment to the point that he or she cannot meet his or her own health and safety needs and/or be able to manage financial affairs well enough to support oneself or legal dependents.

Again, the words mental impairment are key.  Simply making bad choices or using bad judgment is not enough to warrant a conservatorship here in Orange County.  The final determination on whether or not a person fits the requirements is made only by a judge.  The process can be started, however when a petition is filed with the courts asking for the appointment of a conservator or guardian.  The request can be made by just about anyone who has an interest in your wellbeing, including yourself.

It is also permissible for any interested party to object to the need for a conservator or guardian or to question the choice of people considered for the role.  It is usually the person’s spouse or child that is appointed.

Choosing Your Own Conservator or Guardian

While the role of conservator is appointed by a judge according to specific laws, that doesn’t mean that an individual has no say in the matter of who will be in charge of the finances, medical, or personal care.  The best course of action to ensure your wishes are followed is to work with an estate planning lawyer in advance to create a powers of attorney and medical directives.  If you have these in place, you don’t need to go through the process, as the person named within will already have been given the responsibility.

 

Tags: ,
Posted in California Guardianship Attorney, Orange County Estate Planning | No Comments »

Working With An Orange County Estates Lawyer To Leave Behind an Intangible Legacy

Monday, June 11th, 2012

These days, the phrase “intangible asset” seems to have multiple meanings.  In the estate planning world, Orange County attorneys refer to intangible assets as memories and mementos that are left behind for loved ones.  These are things that extend beyond money and material things in order to share your story and your family history.  Your Newport Beach will and trust attorney can incorporate such assets into your estate plan for the benefit of your family after you are gone.

What kinds of things can be included in your intangible legacy?  Consider the following:

  • Handwritten letters to individual friends and family members that express your feeling for them
  • A written family history and important genealogies
  • A DVD recording of you sharing memories, encouraging your loved ones or telling stories of your childhood
  • Letters or recordings to be delivered at predetermined times, such as birthdays, wedding days, upon the birth of a child, etc.

The Value of Intangible Assets

An Orange County lawyer can’t really place a monetary value on these types of intangible assets and the legacy they leave behind (although they should definitely be listed among the assets of an estate).  It’s just not possible to put a price on family history or your ability to continue to have an influence on your children and grandchildren after you are no longer able to be with them physically.

Creating these letters and recordings gives you an ongoing opportunity to offer your support, to share your pride, and to instill your values on those whom you love the most.  It may also help to ease the grief of those loved ones, as they still feel your guidance and encouragement in their lives.  You can share with them your own hopes and dreams for their futures or even just offer an annual birthday greeting.  Some parents or grandparents have even recorded themselves reading bedtime stories in order to remain a part of their children’s upbringing.

Video Wills

Related to this intangible legacy is the idea of a video will.  Generally speaking, a will in California must be written down, not to mention signed and witnessed.   Some people choose to also create a video will, usually just of the testator reading the will, in order to show that he or she was competent at the time that the will was created in order to avoid challenges later.

Keep in mind, though, that the video should be made in addition to the written will, not as a substitute.  Because the video will is not sufficient in and of itself, the best approach is to work with a  Orange County estate planning lawyer to draft a legal document before committing it to video.

Leaving an Intangible Legacy For Your Loved Ones

If you’re ready to create a comprehensive estate plan that includes passing down priceless memories and keepsakes to your loved ones, give our Newport Beach trusts and estates law firm a call at (949)  260-1400 and ask to schedule a complimentary Family Wealth Planning Session with the mention of this article (limited to first 10 callers per month).

 

Posted in California Guardianship Attorney, Orange County Estate Planning, Orange County Wills and Trusts, Uncategorized | No Comments »

When Designating a Guardian | Estates Attorney in Orange County

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

Guardianship is a topic we cover very extensively in our weekly articles and in our Kids Protection Planning™ seminars.  Today we want to share some practical considerations with you–things you should consider before naming one or more people to serve as guardians for your children.  The intent is to encourage you to engage in proactive planning, and also to take some pressure off of you.  The latter comes from realizing that until you actually die, your planning is quite flexible and can be changed to meet your wishes.

Not Permanent Until It’s Permanent

Naming one or more people to serve as a guardian for your children in the event of your death or incapacity might seem very permanent, but again, it’s not.  You can change the named guardians in your plan at will . . . right up until the time you pass away or become incapacitated.  For that reason, it’s not enough that you set up a great plan initially.  You must also review that plan and the continuing suitability of the people you’ve chosen.  As circumstances change and people evolve, so might your choices.

That’s where our law firm is unique.  We have options available whereby we conduct an annual review of your plan each year just to make sure that our planning is still appropriate.  We want you to sleep well at night, but we also want your children to receive the best care possible if something happens to you.  It’s very important.

Really, Really Know The Appointees

Make sure you know the person or people you’re appointing very well.  That means you need to spend a lot of time with them.  Ideally, choose someone who is already a parent.  That way you can observe and get comfortable with their parenting style.  It’s also great if your children feel close to, and a sense of support from, the person you’re going to choose.  You need to know and feel comfortable with things like religious beliefs, habits, where the person lives (so your children aren’t uprooted if that’s important to you), and how equipped the person is to help your children through a very difficult time.

Practical Considerations

Does the person you’re considering have a home that is big enough to include your children?  How about his or her relative health and financial stability, does that meet your standards?  Financial issues can be overcome with additional planning on your part, which might include something like a term life insurance policy.  But the real question is whether the person you’re appointing manages money well enough to make the inheritance last.

You do have the option to name two guardians for your children, because it just so happens that raising children and managing money requires two different skill sets!  One guardian would be the caretaker (“Guardian of the Person”), and the other would manage the money (“Guardian of the Estate”).  If you consider this option, make sure the two guardians get along well, and make sure that they’re on the same page with respect to your wishes and what you believe to be in the best interest of your children.

DO NOT WAIT

It’s very important that you act right away to name a guardian for your children.  Remember, until you die, the decision can be “undone,” but if you die without having named a guardian, then the fate of your children will be left to the discretion of a total stranger . . . a judge.  You have the ability to take control right now, and your words and planning will have the effect of law.  In other words, a less than perfect choice is better than no choice at all.

If you would like to discuss setting up a guardianship plan, please call our offices and schedule a time to speak with an attorney.  If you mention this article by name and say that you’re interested in a Kids Protection Plan™, we will meet with you absolutely free of charge.

Tags: ,
Posted in California Guardianship Attorney, Orange County Estate Planning | No Comments »

Newport Beach Guardianship Attorney Explains How To Financially Provide For Your Spouse and Children If Something Tragic Happens To You

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

Parents in Newport Beach rely on a lot of outside help when it comes to raising their children.

From family members to school systems to friends who pass on advice and hand-me-downs, it really does take a village to raise a child. However, when it comes to estate planning, it’s completely up to you to determine what is best for your minor children.

As an estate planning attorney near Newport Beach, I recommend that all parents who have children under 18 name legal guardians and create an estate plan with their future protection in mind.

No one likes to think about the possibility of not being around to raise their children, but the unforeseen does happen. For example, if you were to die or become incapacitated somehow, who would care for your minor kids? In many cases, the surviving parent is the obvious choice. But, when you consider the fact that the family will be going through a difficult time and that the parental responsibilities will now fall to one person, it may be beneficial to go a step further.

Like many families, you may want to design an estate plan that provides more financial support for both the children and the spouse. In doing so, the surviving parent can be relieved of some of the burden of working and raising the children alone.

The children may also benefit from psychological counseling. As a part of the estate plan, some parents set up a strategy for providing therapy for the kids as they deal with the loss of a parent. This can also be provided for the surviving spouse.

In cases where both parents are killed or where one parent is already absent from the child’s life, setting up a guardianship is a must. This allows you to determine who in your “village” will be responsible for the continued upbringing of your children.

Your estate plan may also offer financial support to this person as well as trusts that the children can access when they reach a certain age.
When it comes to finances, it is also a good idea to consider what type of restrictions you might want to place on your children’s inheritance. Some parents make access contingent upon certain goals such as age, education, and behavior. Most parents will agree, though, that allowing their child to access their inheritance at the impressionable age of 18 can be a recipe for disaster.

Again, an estate planning attorney can help you weigh these options and choose a plan that is best suited for your families individual needs.

If you need help getting started with an estate plan that will protect your minor children, remember, we are here as a resource for you. Simply call our office at (949) 260-1400 and ask to schedule a Family Wealth Planning Session, where qualified candidates can have their personal situation and options reviewed at no charge.

Tags: ,
Posted in California Guardianship Attorney, Orange County Estate Planning | No Comments »

OC Guardianship Lawyer Reveals How to Protect Your Kids When You’re Not Around

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

Do you know anyone who has ever been arrested or otherwise detained without good cause? A few years back a story broke in Texas about a soccer mom who was actually cuffed and carted off to jail . . . for not wearing her seatbelt! The woman’s children were in the car at the time of the incident. What do you think happened to them while their mother was incarcerated? Can you imagine how she must have felt not knowing what would happen to her children?

As students of the law, we could spend hours dwelling on the subject of constitutional law, unreasonable searches and seizures, and unlawful arrests, but as professionals we focus our attention on helping you take the appropriate steps to protect you and your children, no matter what the circumstances may be. So we are going to write a series on how you can make sure you children are properly cared for in your absence, whether that absence occurs by death, disability, or for any other reason.

The System is Your Reality, Unless You Opt Out

When it comes to caring for children while parents are unavailable, the system requires an “opt out.” That simply means the system and its general rules, whether those rules are good or bad, apply as the default. It means, in short, that if you and your spouse are ever unable to provide care for your children even temporarily, a judge will decide whose care they should be put in and what is best for them.

If you want a different set of rules to apply—if you want to maintain any semblance of control over who watches and raises your children, even in short-term scenarios, then you need to formulate and implement a Kids Protection Plan®.

In a nutshell, the legal system works like this: If you and your spouse become unavailable to parent your children for any amount of time, your children will be placed in the care of a state run child protection agency. From there, depending on how long you will be unavailable, the judge can order your children to be placed in the custody of one of your relatives or even in foster care and beyond the reach of your loved ones. In short, you will have very little if any say in who takes custody of your children. That’s scary, to say the least.

Setting A Backstop

There are a number of really valuable benefits to forming a Kids Protection Plan. Today we highlight two features.

  • It’s a process that will force you to reflect. Formulating a plan requires you to take a hard look around and decide on who you trust to raise your children in your absence. You can (and should, in most cases) designate one person to care for your children and one person to manage their financial estate. It’s not advisable to only choose a couple as primary caregivers, because . . . well . . . couples sometimes split up. If that happens, it’s just one more opportunity for a judge to intervene. This is also your opportunity to have very deep conversations with the people you would entrust to care for your children.
  • Your plan will cause your judgments and choices to be honored above those of a judge who is a complete stranger to you and your children. By developing and implementing a plan, you set the default rules in your favor, and the legal system will then be forced to honor your wishes.

Get Kid Protection Planning

If you don’t already have a plan in place to protect your children in the event that something renders you unable to parent, then you need to develop one now! It’s absolutely critical. Just think of all the horror stories you hear about foster care . . . don’t allow your children to be a victim of the system. Call us today to schedule your Family Wealth Planning Session, and we’ll focus on helping you create a plan to safeguard your children when you are unable to protect them yourself.

Tags:
Posted in California Guardianship Attorney | No Comments »

When The Unthinkable Happens…

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

The one night a week when you and your spouse spend time together…talk about the week…have a nice leisurely dinner…just the two of you.

You’ve lined up a babysitter…

You left money for the pizza delivery guy and a list of contact numbers on the refrigerator door…right under the magnet you bought in Yosemite last summer…

You’ve got everything taken care of…

Except what happens to your children if the unthinkable happens and you never make it back home.

If you have minor children and you’re severely injured or worse in an accident, the police may have no choice but to place your children with Child Protective Services if they don’t have information or documentation indicating who you would want to care for your children.

Once the immediate situation has passed, your children could then be at the mercy of the “system”.  There is no way the State can know who would be the best choice as a guardian for your children.

So…what do you need to do?

First, Put Your Guardianship Wishes in Writing

Just telling your chosen guardian that you want them to take care of your children is not enough.  What you “said” is not legally sufficient and you could be placing your children at the mercy of the foster care system for a long period of time.  You need to have a plan in place, written instructions, and the proper legal documentation in order to ensure that your wishes are followed and that everyone knows what those wishes are.

Another misconception is that if you name a guardian in your Will, that’s all you have to do.

Wrong.

A guardianship provided for in a Will only takes effect after you die.  If you become incapacitated but are still alive, it means nothing.

Proper Documentation for Guardianship

A good, solid guardianship plan will allow you to choose guardians either on a permanent or temporary basis and leave instructions for those guardians so they know exactly what you want them to do and under what circumstances.

You need to have at least these documents in place at all times if you have minor children:

  1. Legal documentation naming a short term or temporary guardian in case you become incapacitated for a short period of time, or in the interim between your death and the time your permanent guardian can arrive.  The best option for this guardianship is someone close by that can take immediate custody of your children and keep them out of the court system.  Make sure that you talk to these individuals about your plans and that they are willing to serve as temporary guardians.  Have their names at the top of a contact list that is available immediately in the event you are not able to communicate.  And always make sure they have a copy of the documents naming them as temporary guardians.
  2. Legal documents naming permanent guardians.  The same information applies for this document as for temporary guardianship papers.  Make sure you talk to the people you select and that they have copies of these documents to provide to the court.
  3. Make sure you have written instructions for anyone taking care of your children so they know exactly what needs to be done if something happens to you.  Make sure they know who to call.  Even if you’re leaving your kids with the 16 year old kid next door to babysit on Friday night, make sure she or he knows what needs to be done if the worst happens.  And always have written instructions in place for the person or persons you choose as a guardian to tell them how you want your children to be raised.
  4. Always have a Medical Authorization and Power of Attorney for your children, especially if you’re sending them to Grandma’s on their own.  These documents will allow the person taking care of your children in your absence to make medical decisions that could be a matter of life and death.

Really makes you think, doesn’t it?

He said/She said will not hold up in court, so if that is the only plan you’ve made for your
children if the unthinkable happens, you could be placing them at the mercy of the
foster care system without even realizing it.

If all this has made you realize you would like to get your documents in order to make sure that your children and your property are taken care of, call us to schedule your Family Wealth Planning Session today.  We can identify what you need to do to plan for your family’s future and answer any questions you have about an effective estate plan.  Our Family Wealth Planning Session is normally $750, but this month I’ve made space for the next two people who mention this article to have a complete planning session with me at no charge.  Call today and mention this article.

Tags: ,
Posted in California Guardianship Attorney | No Comments »

Orange County Elder Attorney Answers “How Do I File For Guardianship of an Adult?”

Monday, September 12th, 2011

Dear Darlynn:

My neighbor is a gentleman in his late 80’s and has been like a member of our family for as long as I can remember. Every single one of us refers to him as “uncle” and because he has no family, we have included him in ours.

When my parents passed away, I moved into my childhood home and began to enjoy regular outings and dinners with “Uncle Joe”. Over the past few months I have noticed big changes in Uncle Joe and when I return recently from a lengthy business trip, it became clear that he needs help.

I fear that he can’t continue to live independently and manage his assets. He has no will, power of attorney or healthcare proxy.

My question is whether I should begin a guardianship proceeding to have someone appointed to take care of Uncle Joe and his assets. What happens when there are no family members or friends who can be appointed guardian of him?

Answer:

While every situation is different, when it becomes obvious that a person is likely to suffer harm to his or her personal or financial needs because of an inability to take care of themselves, it is time to begin guardianship proceedings. Based on your opinion of Uncle Joe, it appears it would be appropriate to begin those proceedings.

Before beginning the process, you need to decide what type of guardianship Uncle Joe needs. A guardian may have authority to make decisions for a person, property or both. A guardian of person would allow someone to make decisions about Uncle Joe’s medical treatment, living arrangements and day-to-day needs. A guardianship of property allows one to make decisions about assets including managing finances, and if the court approves, may apply for government benefits or begin estate planning.

Once you’ve decided what type of guardian would be most appropriate, you will file a petition (along with an Order to Show Cause or OSC) with the court seeking appointment of the guardian. The purpose of the Order to Show Cause is to give notice to Uncle Joe and other interested parties that a hearing will take place before a judge to determine whether or not Uncle Joe lacks the abilities the guardian would handle for him. At the hearing, you will be the petitioner and your uncle will be referred to as an alleged incapacitated person.

The court will set a date for the hearing and will appoint an evaluator to assess your uncle’s situation. The evaluator will meet with your uncle to evaluate his ability to make decisions and his financial and personal care. That person may also speak with you, friends, healthcare providers or others to learn more about his situation. The evaluator will then prepare a report for the court which includes the recommendation regarding the placement of a guardian and whom should be the guardian (you or a court-appointed person). The court appointed evaluator would be paid out of your uncle’s assets.

You, your uncle, the evaluator and possibly others will testify at the hearing to determine guardianship. Afterward, the court will decide if a guardian is appropriate. If your uncle is found to be incapacitated, a guardian will be appointed and the court will specifically outline the types of decisions that guardian will be able to make.

The court requires that guardians complete a training course, and may be required to post a bond depending on your uncle’s assets. The guardian will visit your uncle at least quarterly making decisions on his behalf, and will be required to file annual reports detailing all financial activities and updates as to your uncle’s condition.

The court has the authority to name a guardian if you do not have a specific person in mind and will appoint one from a list of qualified individuals. Court appointed guardians are compensated for their services from your uncle’s assets.

Usually, it takes about a month between filing the petition (and OSC) and the hearing. Although delays are common and there is a considerable amount of time, effort and money required prior to the guardian being placed.

It seems as though your uncle did not make any plans regarding his estate, so you may have no option but to have a court intervene. If he had properly drafted a Power of Attorney and a healthcare proxy or trust, a guardianship proceeding may not be needed.

As always, I encourage my clients and readers to contact our Orange County guardianship and estate planning law firm at (949) 260-1400 with any questions regarding their personal estate plans or to ask questions about how to best educate your loved ones about estate planning.

Tags: ,
Posted in California Guardianship Attorney, Orange County Estate Planning | No Comments »

Lessons From the Berry Family Tragedy: Naming Guardians Who Could Care for a Disabled Child

Friday, July 29th, 2011

By: Darlynn Morgan, Newport Beach Will Lawyer

Many parents know the importance of making sure they have legal guardians named who could care for their minor children should death or incapacity occur.

In previous posts, we’ve even explored some of the qualifications your chosen guardians should have to ensure your kids would be raised by the people YOU want, in a way you want if something happens.

But there’s one more important qualification that I haven’t talked about yet, and that’s making sure your guardians are prepared to raise your child should he or she develop unexpected and long-term medical needs.

This issue was sadly brought to light this week following a devastating car accident in the state of Texas.  Parents Robin and Joshua Berry were tragically killed when an SUV veered into their lane and hit them head on.  All three of their young children in the back seat survived, but two are now paralyzed from the waist down. The youngest daughter had less serious injuries and is recovering with a family friend. You can read more about this horrific accident here.

The children will now go to live with their aunt and uncle on their father’s side, Matt and Simone Berry, who admit the possibility of rough times ahead:

“There’s a lot of uncertainty,” Matt Berry told the Huffington Post. “The dynamic for everybody has changed so it’s really scary. I’ve got to be the cheerleader for a long time. It’s gonna be a long road to recovery in many ways, but I have a big bright light that I’m seeing at the end of the tunnel and I’m focused on that to make sure these guys have a really good life.”

And while the Berry children are fortunate to have an aunt and uncle who are dedicated to giving them the best life they can provide, will it be enough considering the children now need a life-time of care?

More importantly, is that even what the Berry parents would have wanted for their kids?  If they could have peered into a crystal ball, would they have chosen Matt and Simone Berry as the most capable people to care for their disabled children through adulthood?  They may have—or may not.  That’s where naming guardians comes into play.

Only you know who would be the best person to care for your kids if tragedy strikes.  Someone who would raise them with your values, take care of their every need and love them as though they were their own.

And in a situation like this, only you know who would make an unconditional sacrifice to raise your child if he or she was critically injured and required round-the-clock care.  Careers may need to be put on hold, money may need to be spent and life could get flipped upside down in the event of a true medical emergency.

Who do you know that would step up to the plate?  Who would face such responsibilities head on….and, on the flipside, who not would buckle under the pressure to put your child into a nursing home and leave their care up to the state?

Remember parents, you have more control over the quality of life your child experiences in your absence than you may think.  Simple estate planning techniques can help you put the right tools and insurance in place so that your kids are financially provided for and raised by the people YOU want if death or incapacity occurs.

It’s super easy and worth every penny if something tragic ever happens to your family. So if you’re ready to get started and protect your kids once and for all, give our office a call at (949) 260-1400 and ask to schedule a FREE Family Wealth Planning Session ($750 value).  Let us help you put a rock solid hedge of protection around your minor children so they stay protected, no matter what!

Tags: ,
Posted in California Guardianship Attorney, Orange County Wills and Trusts | No Comments »

Orange County Guardianship Attorney Tackles Overlooked Questions When Naming Guardians for Your Kids

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

No one likes the idea of leaving their children without a parent, especially when the discussion revolves around planning for an untimely death.

But in order to make sure that your children are properly taken care of if both parents should pass away at the same time, the discussion on guardianship must be had.

There are certain factors that every parent should take into consideration when choosing who will look after their children. Besides the obvious questions like, “Do my kids like him or her?” and “Is this person capable of raising kids?” the Orange County guardianship law firm of Morgan Law Group urges parents to ask themselves these commonly overlooked questions as well:

  • Do the potential guardians have their own children? Having their own kids could be a blessing or a burden depending on how you feel those other children would interact with your kids, as well as how much space in the home would be available for your kids to adapt and grow.
  • Would this person’s job allow him or her the time to care for your children? If the guardian you are considering travels a lot or works unusual hours, he or she might not be the best choice, even if you think they would be a perfect fit for your kids.
  • Is the person financially capable of caring for your child? While there are planning steps parents can take to ensure their children would be cared for financially in their absence, it’s still important to choose someone who has the ability to provide for your kids if the money prematurely runs out.

Choosing a guardian can be a long and difficult process, and these are just a few of the questions you should consider. We’re here to help you make the right choice.  Start by calling (949) 260-1400 and ask if you qualify for a Family Wealth Planning Session ($750) with the mention of this article. These sessions are limited to 10 per month so call today!

Tags: ,
Posted in California Child Protection, California Guardianship Attorney | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Southern California Probate Attorney / Estate Planning Lawyer / Wills & Living Trusts Law Firm
Serving: Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego & all of Southern California

The estate planning law firm of Morgan Law Group, apc serves all cities in Orange County, including: Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Balboa Island, Brea, Buena Park, Capistrano Beach, Corona Del Mar, Costa Mesa, Coto de Caza, Cypress, Dana Point, as well as estate planning in Foothill Ravnch, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, and estate planning and probate in Los Angeles, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, and estate planning and probate law firm information in Orange, OC, Placentia, Rancho San Margarita, San Clemente, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, and Yorba Linda.