Do Not Leave Your Children with the Babysitter Until You Read This
The pandemic forced many of us to face our own mortality like no other event in recent memory. Some of those worst-case scenarios we thought would never happen now seem much more likely, and for some people, those unthinkable situations have even become reality.
Understanding The Risks
We are all vulnerable to serious illness or injury, regardless of how young or healthy we are. As a parent, one of the most frightening things about illness or injury is knowing that should something happen to you, your children would be left without you to care for them—temporarily or permanently.
It’s hard to think about, but consider the following scenario: You and your spouse are out to dinner. Your kids are at home with the babysitter you’ve trusted for years. On your way home, your car skids on ice and your world starts spinning, literally. The babysitter calls you repeatedly, wondering why you haven’t made it home on time. When no one answers after her tenth attempt to reach you, she calls the police.
The police arrive and find your kids with the babysitter. Your kids love her, but she doesn’t have legal authority to care for the children—even temporarily. The police have no choice but to call the Office of Youth and Family Services. Your children are taken into the custody of strangers until they can locate you and the Court can appoint a proper guardian.
It gets more upsetting from here. Your kids are still at risk of being taken by the authorities even if you have named legal guardians for them in your will. Your will only becomes operative in the event of your death. This means, if you are incapacitated by an accident or illness, it doesn’t matter what is in your will.
Most Guardianships are Lacking
This is just one scenario that can land your children in the custody of strangers or even family members you would never want caring for them. And sadly, I’ve seen this happen even to the most thoughtful parents who’ve worked with lawyers to name legal guardians for their children in their will. Most lawyers simply don’t know what’s necessary for planning and ensuring the well-being and care of minor children while a parent is still alive, yet unable to care for their child(ren).
However, I have received extensive training and education to support the unique needs of families with minor children. I offer a comprehensive system known as the Kids’ Plan, which is included with every estate plan I prepare for families with young children.
The Kids’ Plan includes:
Legal documents to name short-term guardians who can be there immediately for your children. They will never be taken into the arms of strangers or anyone you wouldn’t want. Not even for a moment.
Letters to the people you name as short-term guardians, so the individuals you have named will know exactly what to do if called upon.
Instructions to everyone who takes care of your kids as to exactly what to do if you are in an accident. There will never be any question about what to do or who to call.
Legal documents to name long-term guardians who will raise your children just as you would. There will be no family feuding or court involvement over your children.
Letters to your long-term guardians, letting them know exactly what to do if called upon.
Medical powers of attorney for your minor children. Anytime they travel without you or you travel without them, you know they will get the medical care they need.
A custom, personalized I.D. card for your wallet stating that you have minor children at home and who should be contacted if you are in an accident.
Today’s the Day
While you should meet with me to put the full Kids’ Plan in place as soon as possible, I know protecting your children is now such an urgent need in your mind that you won’t want to delay. I encourage you to get your plan started right now. Click this link to find Kids’ Plan documents for $99. This digital download provides you with forms you can fill out and print at home. Once completed, take the forms to a notary with witnesses. You will rest easier knowing you have a complete set of legal guardianship documents, valid in Pennsylvania and its Court systems.
After you’ve completed your Kids’ Plan, schedule a Planning and Design Session with me, where we will determine how to supplement the care of your children with your own estate planning to make sure anyone caring for your children when you can’t has immediate access to the assets to do so. Anyone who purchases a Kids’ Plan will receive a $750 planning and design session with me at no charge and $250 off any level of my estate plans for themselves.
I Can Help.
As your Personal Family Lawyer®, I can evaluate your assets, assess your level of risk, and analyze your current insurance coverage to be sure you have the optimal level of umbrella coverage in place to safeguard your family’s wealth from today’s lawsuit-crazy culture. Contact me today to schedule your appointment.
