Child Custody Lawyer

If you have children, planning your estate should be one of the first things to consider. Unfortunately, many people neglect drawing up this important document. This can have devastating results. Having an estate plan that outlines how your children will be cared for is essential. If you share custody with your child’s other parent it’s important that you communicate the plan. In some cases, you may be concerned over the ability of the other parent to care for your child. When facing your estate plan, and the future, your first call should be to a lawyer for help.  

The Importance of Estate Planning

If you have children, it’s important that you have an estate plan in place for a number of reasons. Should something unexpected happen, plans made for your children will be entirely out of your hands. Working with a lawyer can help by making sure that you have considered all of your options and left nothing out. Having an estate plan ensures that you have outlined a clear plan for your children. By developing an estate plan you can, identify a guardian for your child and financially prepare for their future. However, it’s important to know that if you share custody with your child’s parent or, they are in the picture, you will likely need to consider what their involvement will look like. 

Communicating with the Child’s Parent

In the event of the unexpected, much of the time custody of your child will go to the other parent. This may occur regardless of your wishes for guardianship that are outlined in your estate plan. It will be important that both of you have estate plans that plan for your assets and outline your final wishes. When planning, communication with the other person to ensure that these are their wishes as well is key. In the event that they do not want to assume sole custody or guardianship, you will want to make sure that you have a backup plan in place. Much of the time, you and your ex are likely to choose the other person as the appointed guardian for the child that you share. In some cases, you may not want this person to have control over your other assets or finances. If this is the case, you have the ability to identify a different person to act as your executor or manage your child’s assets. 

Protecting Your Child From an Unfit Parent

If you believe the other child’s parent is unfit, you will need to contact a lawyer for help. This is because in most cases, should you pass away, care of the child will go to the other parent. You will need to show a compelling reason as to why the other parent should not assume this role. This should include proof or documentation that shows the parent has been abusive, has mental health issues or drug and alcohol problems. All of these factors can impact the ability to safely parent a child. This should be outlined in a separate letter that is included in your estate plan. Working with a lawyer on this task can give you the best opportunity at your wishes being honored by the court. 

Managing issues of child custody and developing an estate plan can both be stressful. This is especially true if you have concern over the child’s parent who will be assuming full custody of your child in the event of the unexpected. Because of this, you will want to ensure that you are able to put your best foot forward with the help of a lawyer. Contact an experienced child custody lawyer, in your area for help today.