Protect Your Kids—Today and Tomorrow
If something happened to you, who would step in to care for your children?
Would they live with a grandparent? Which one? Would they stay at the same school?
These are difficult questions, but as a parent, thinking about them now is one of the most important gifts you can give your family.
At Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, we’re here to guide you through the minor children and young adult planning process with care, experience, and compassion—helping you create a plan that protects your minor children and young adults when you no longer can.
Planning for Minor Children
When you plan for your minor children, a strong, thoughtful plan typically includes:
- Temporary Guardianship: Naming someone who can step in immediately during an emergency to care for your children without delay.
- Permanent Guardianship: Designating who will become your child’s legal guardian if you pass away before they turn 18.
- Written Instructions for Guardians: Providing clear guidance to both temporary and permanent guardians about how you wish your children to be raised.
- Power of Attorney for Care of a Minor: Appointing a trusted person to make important decisions for your children if you are unable to.
- Health Care Surrogate for Children: Ensuring medical decisions can be made for your children when they are traveling without you—or if you are separated during an emergency.
Choosing the Right Guardian
Choosing a guardian is more than simply picking someone you trust—it’s a decision that deserves real thought.
Here are some important considerations:
- The age and energy of the guardian compared to your children’s needs.
- Their parenting style, values, and religious beliefs.
- Their life circumstances—whether they are single, married, retired, or raising children of their own.
- Their location and whether your child would need to relocate.
- The strength of their existing relationship with your children.
- Their willingness to take on the responsibility—you should always have a direct conversation before finalizing your decision.
- Their financial stability and sense of personal responsibility.
Planning for Young Adults
As your children grow, protecting them means helping them prepare for adulthood.
Once they turn 18, you no longer have automatic authority to make financial or medical decisions for them. That’s why young adults should have basic legal documents in place, even if they are still financially dependent on you.
Planning for young adults often includes:
- Durable Power of Attorney: Authorizing someone they trust to handle financial and personal matters if they cannot.
- Last Will and Testament: Even a simple will helps manage accounts, belongings, and financial matters—especially important for adventurous young adults.
- Health Care Surrogate: Naming someone who can make healthcare decisions if they’re unable to communicate.
- Living Will: Providing direction about life-sustaining treatment in the event of a serious illness or injury.
- Digital Asset Spreadsheet: Keeping track of important online accounts, passwords, and digital assets that loved ones may need access to.
Let’s Build a Plan That Protects What Matters Most
No parent ever wants to imagine being unable to care for their children—but the right plan can make all the difference if the unexpected happens.
At Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, we’ll walk you through every step, making the process of planning for your minor children and young adults as simple and supportive as possible.
Ready to take the next step in protecting your family’s future?
Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation.
