If you are a parent in New Jersey, one of the things you need to plan for is who will take care of your child if something happens to both you and your spouse. While this topic is not something people want to think about, it is an important decision to make. If you do not name a legal guardian, this can lead to fights between family members over custody or the court may place the child in foster care.
According to Forbes, there are many factors to think about when considering who is the best person for the job. Ideally, you should choose someone who has similar values as you and will raise the child similarly. The guardian should also be physically and financially able to raise a child. It is also helpful to choose someone who lives in the same area as you so the child does not have to change schools and make new friends. Once you make a decision, make sure you talk to the potential guardian and make sure it is a role he or she wants to have. You should also name a backup guardian.
Parenting stresses the importance of making the choice legal. Put it in your will, and it is a good idea to hire an attorney to make sure you outline everything correctly. Even if you choose a couple, only name one of them as guardian in the event the relationship breaks up. If you and your spouse are not together anymore, it is still important to name a guardian in the event your ex is unable or incompetent to raise the child.
