Naming a Backup Guardian for a Minor Child

When it comes to estate planning, few decisions are as important as naming a guardian for your minor children. At PTM Trust and Estate Law, we recognize the significance of this choice and the need to extend that foresight by designating a backup guardian. This ensures your children are well-cared for, even in unforeseen circumstances. If you have a minor child, we believe this should be your top estate planning concern.

In Florida, there are two primary ways to designate a backup guardian: by using a guardianship clause in your will and by designating a pre-need guardian with the clerk of court. A good estate plan will do both.

The first way to designate a guardian is in your will through the use of a guardianship clause. A guardianship clause is a provision in a last will and testament that states who you want to be the legal guardian of your children should the child’s natural parents pass away.

The second way to designate a guardian is by filing a document with the clerk of court which designates someone to serve as pre-need guardian of your children should you (and any other current guardian) pass away or become incapacitated.

We strongly recommend that parents of minor children do both. And we regularly assist our clients in doing just that. We handle the entire process, from drafting the paperwork to telling you where to sign to filing the proper forms with the court. Our goal is to make the process simple for you and for you to know that a plan is in place should the worst happen.

If you are a parent of a minor child, contact us today to set up a free consultation. We will do everything we can to help.

Contact a Lawyer for a Free Consultation

PTM Trust and Estate Law is happy to answer your questions about putting a guardianship clause in your will. Please call 352-554-5576 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. If you do not live near Gainesville, then we will be happy to schedule a free phone meeting instead.