Factors to Consider When Picking a Guardian for a Child
No one wants to think about the possibility of someone else raising their child, but it’s important to have a plan for your children if something were to happen to you and your partner. One of the first factors that should be considered when choosing a guardian for your child is the age of the guardian. You will want to choose a guardian for your children whose age and health would allow them to remain the guardian until your child is at least a young adult. A young candidate might be too focused on their career and starting a family of their own to care for children; however, an older candidate might not be ready to parent again.
Another factor that plays into the consideration of choosing a guardian is the location and lifestyle of the potential guardian. If something should happen to you, your children would most likely move into the guardian’s home, in a rare case the guardian would move into your home instead. You will want to consider the changes moving will cause in the child’s life. A move across the country would take the child away from everyone they know. Significant moves would not allow them to visit their cousins and others who could create some normalcy in the child's life.
Financial stability is a very important factor to consider, as adding children into the mix will raise their living costs exponentially. You want to choose a guardian who can provide stability and financial security for your children. Consider their living situation, employment status, and overall financial well-being. Along with this, you want to consider the parenting style and skills of the potential guardian. You want someone who has a proven track record of being a responsible and caring parent. Consider their ability to provide emotional support, make sound decisions, and handle the day-to-day responsibilities of raising a child. You want a guardian who is good with kids and can take care of them like a parent.
Your values and beliefs should also be considered when choosing a guardian. Choosing a guardian who lives by similar standards is essential if you have certain religious beliefs and morals. Some may have very strong religious beliefs and want their children raised in a specific denomination. Even if not taken to that extreme, consider the person’s religious background and whether they share similar values. It could be as simple as having a similar moral base and celebrating Christmas. You also want to figure out the potential guardian’s willingness to act as a guardian, the legal guardian you choose should be available and willing to take on the responsibility of caring for and raising your child. It is also a good idea to consider the children's preferences when choosing a guardian and how familiar they are with the potential guardian.