A Frank Discussion about Guardianship
No one likes to think about what would happen to the children should both parents die, but it is vital that young families do so. For Christians, it is doubly important.
Choosing a guardian for your children in your will is the best way to ensure that you, and not the state, will guide the decision of guardianship. Guardianship in a will is not a guarantee, but the courts will typically honor it. Without a will stipulation, you have no control over the court’s decision.
The RCUS has partnered with GiftWise to allow members to create a will where you can choose a guardian couple to care for your children in the event of your death. It is fast, and it is free. A basic will can be completed in as little as 15 minutes.
Establishing guardianship in a will is one of the best things a parent can do for his or her child. Why is it so important?
Because if something happens to you, you would surely prefer to choose who assumes legal guardianship of your child, rather than letting the courts decide.
Choosing a guardian is a big decision, but a necessary one. You want your children raised in the faith, and asking a couple in your congregation is often the best choice. Many couples agree to reciprocity, i.e., each family agrees to be guardians for the other.
If possible, you want to keep your children together. Assuming your children will be your heirs in the will, you may wish to have a different individual assume control of the minor child’s finances until they reach the age of majority.
If it begins to get complicated, seek out an attorney or estate planner. It is worth your time and money to do so. In the meantime, you may choose to create a basic will through GiftWise to have something in place.
The church cannot offer you legal or financial advice, and we encourage you to talk to your lawyer, CPA, or financial advisor. These are important decisions. Usually a guardianship arrangement never has to be used; but planning even for such an unlikely eventuality is being a good steward of your “inheritance of the Lord.” May He guide you as you walk this path in faith.
For further information, contact giving@rcus.org.
Mission 2025 focuses on planning for the future as our church prepare to enter our fourth century of ministry.
