How important is it to appoint a guardian if you have a child or children under the age of 18?

Imagine the scenario: A married couple living in the UK, one from the UK and one from the United States, with two young children.

While having a Will drafted, they are asked about appointing a parental Guardian should they both die while their children are young:

• Who will they nominate?
• In which circumstances, which country will the children reside in?
• Do they want to appoint a backup Guardian?
• What if there is no one suitable or willing to take on such a commitment?
• What financial support will the Guardian need?

These are just some of the complex, emotionally charged, but highly pragmatic questions that parents have to consider. Not doing so could cause considerable emotional trauma for the children should the unthinkable happen, as the decision will ultimately be placed into the hands of the Family Courts.

While the ongoing message around the importance of drafting a Will is making progress in society, it is important that professionals emphasise the need to appoint a parental Guardian in a manner which is valid and fully considered. These are vital decisions which must be fully explored and understood.

Parents should be advised of the implications of giving a Guardian parental responsibility (PR), as per the Children Act 1989 (CA 1989). It is also vital they understand the difference between a Guardian and an individual who is caring for the children (but is not technically a Guardian). A Guardian is afforded the “rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which by law a parent of a child has in relation to the child and his property”. A person in the position of care, but not a Guardian, is only required to do what is reasonable to safeguard and promote the child’s welfare. It should be explained that the appointment of a Guardian is only invoked on the appointer’s death if there is no surviving parent with PR.

It is not enough to come to an informal arrangement for Guardianship between parties; the request must be made in writing, dated, and signed and witnessed by the person making the appointment, in accordance with the Wills Act 1837 (Section 9).

When it comes to Wills and parental Guardians, nothing should be assumed. Parents will need to consider what will happen if:

• One parent does not have PR (i.e. they are unmarried, or a step-parent without PR) — only the parent with PR can choose a Guardian. The parent without PR may later acquire PR, meaning Guardianship will only apply if both parents die
• The Guardian appointed, and the substitute have died, are incapacitated, or unwilling to take responsibility for the children, by the time Guardianship is invoked
• Is it in the best interests of a child raised in one country to relocate to another following the death of their parents? Will that country allow the child to enter?
• Parents wish the children to go to a married couple, but they separate

In more complex situations, it may be necessary to draft detailed conditions for the appointment of a Guardian. Also, a ‘letters of wishes’ can be used to advise the person/s nominated to be a Guardian of any specific wishes for that Guardian’s succession – e.g. if the Guardians are a married couple, the parent may wish to specify that if they get divorced, they must apply to the Court to bring the Guardianship to an end. A letter of wishes can also be written to the trustees of a Trust fund set up for the benefit of the child (see below) outlining how the parents would like the children to be supported financially.

When it comes to ensuring the Guardian will be supported financially to raise the children for whom they will have full legal responsibility, it is imperative that the inheritance section of the Will is in full alignment and accordance with the appointment of the Guardian. The cost of raising children can be extremely high; around £230,000 per child from birth to the age of 21. And if it is the parent’s wish for them to remain in a fee-charging school, this can be doubled again. Assuming both parents were to die, typically, any remaining money from the estate, including receipts from any pensions, life insurance policies, and the sale of property and other assets, may be held in Trust – from which trustees can ensure payments are made to the Guardian for the benefit of the child.

Writing a Will incorporating parental Guardianship is essential in guaranteeing the safety and security of a child’s future, should the very worst happen to their parents. Appointing a Guardian (or Guardians) can bring great “peace of mind” to a family even though no one likes broaching this subject.

If you would like to discuss the above, need any assistance or would like to book an appointment please do not hesitate to contact us. Please telephone 01732 868190 or click here.

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