Getting hurt, becoming disabled, or getting older and less cognizant are real-life possibilities we should all plan for before it’s too late. By taking the time to set up a well-rounded estate plan now, you could save your loved ones a lot of future conflicts — not to mention ensuring that your wishes are respected if worse comes to worst.
In broad terms, “guardianship” refers to a person’s legal responsibility and authority to care for another person, as well as that person’s property and finances. When it comes to estate planning, the term refers to two distinct concepts:
Choosing a guardian isn't a simple task. Whoever you grant that title to will be responsible for major decisions about the people, property, and possessions that matter most to you. That’s why it’s extremely important you take the time to set up your estate plan the right way and with an experienced local attorney — one who is both familiar with Ohio guardianship laws and genuinely invested in your family’s well-being.
When deciding who to appoint as your legal guardian, it’s important to remember that their role isn’t going to be small, simple, or short-lived. Whoever you choose should be someone you trust and believe others will listen to in the event they need to step in and be your advocate. Therefore, choosing the right guardian means looking beyond today’s concerns and asking yourself some hard questions:
Answering these questions may not be a walk in the park, but keep in mind, if you don’t pre-select your legal guardian while in a healthy mental state, they will be chosen for you by an Ohio probate court.
If you're a parent to minor children, setting up your estate plan correctly is essential. As with adult guardianship, your children’s guardian will be court-appointed if you don’t take the steps to legally declare one before he or she is needed.
In many ways, choosing a guardian for your kids is like choosing a guardian for yourself. Without question, you want someone responsible, invested, and able to make tough decisions. Ideally, you also want that person to share your core values and beliefs. To that end, make sure you’re asking yourself these questions in addition to those listed above:
Selecting the right guardian(s) for your estate plan is an important decision, fortunately, you don’t have to figure out the entire process on your own. If you haven’t set up your estate plan yet, or simply have more questions about guardianship laws in the Columbus, Ohio area, I invite you to reach out and schedule a one-on-one consultation.
I founded The Law Office Of Gregory L. Williams because I wanted to make a positive impact on the families in my community. Part of that mission involves helping people like you make important decisions and ensuring those decisions are properly documented and legally recognized. Don’t wait another day to begin the estate planning process. Reach out now to set up your consultation.
