As we welcome the New Year, filled with hope and resolutions for a brighter future, one commitment should be at the top of your list– creating a Kids Protection Plan™. It can be hard to think about a future where you couldn’t be there for your children, but having a plan in place will ensure that your kids stay in the care of the people they know and love if you become incapacitated or die (instead of their care decisions being left up to chance or whichever judge is overseeing the family court at the time).
This is not just some task to add to your to-do list; it’s a warm embrace of security for your little ones. So, why is this the ultimate resolution for you in 2024? Keep reading to find out.
Unforeseen Circumstances Can Leave Your Kids in Foster Care
Imagine your kids at home with a babysitter, and you don’t come home. You’ve been in an accident and are unconscious at the hospital. Authorities are called, but the babysitter doesn’t have the legal authority to care for your children until you return or until a Permanent Guardian is appointed. Even if you already named a Permanent Guardian for your kids, this doesn’t offer immediate legal authority for the Guardian to care for them.
In such scenarios, law enforcement might place your child into protective custody with social services. A Kids Protection Plan™ bridges this gap by providing legal documentation and instructions for Temporary Legal Guardians who have the immediate legal authority to care for your children until you return or until the court appoints a Permanent Guardian. This minimizes the risk of your children ending up in foster care or with a family member that you would never want in charge of your children.
Planning Lets You Pick Who Cares for Your Kids – Not a Judge
Is there someone in your life whom you unequivocally would never want raising your kids? Even if you’ve already named Permanent Legal Guardians for them, it’s still up to a judge to determine who should raise your children long-term. Suppose this person is an immediate family member. In that case, the judge may choose them as your kids’ Permanent Legal Guardian if they come forward as a candidate, despite what your Permanent Guardian Nomination paperwork says.
A comprehensive Kids Protection Plan™ confidentially excludes anyone you would never want raising your kids and provides crucial information about your decision to exclude them that can be presented to the judge if needed. With this confidential document, you ensure your children are always kept away from someone you wouldn’t want as their Legal Guardian.
You Have Unique Desires for Your Kids’ Education, Healthcare, and Financial Well-Being
Every parent has distinct desires regarding their children’s education, healthcare, and financial well-being. A Kids Protection Plan™ allows you to articulate these wishes thoroughly in a way that provides your kids’ Legal Guardians with guidance and your children with the comfort of their routine.
Providing clear instructions to potential guardians ensures that your children’s upbringing aligns with your values and aspirations. This process secures their future and grants them profound clarity about your parenting priorities.
Comprehensive Protection for the Ones You Love Most
While nominating Permanent Legal Guardians is fundamental, it might not suffice in every situation. A full-fledged Kids Protection Plan™ offers a holistic approach, addressing the potential pitfalls of leaving your kids with caregivers, excluding unwanted individuals from guardianship, and outlining your unique desires for their well-being. This comprehensive plan ensures that your children remain in the care of trusted individuals who understand and respect your values.
If you’re ready to make creating a Kids Protection Plan™ your most significant New Year’s resolution, the first step is scheduling your Life & Legacy Planning Session™. During the session, we’ll guide you through our unique, heart-centered process to tailor a plan that reflects your wishes, secures your family’s future, and includes a Kids Protection Plan™.
And unlike other resolutions that may be hard to stick to, we’re here to guide and support you through every step to ensure your Kids Protection Plan™ offers the best protection for the people you love – now and for years to come.
We would be honored to be there for your family. Schedule a free 15-minute discovery call to get started by emailing [email protected] or calling (859) 344-6742.
This article is a service of Ruberg Law PLLC. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed, empowered decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Family Wealth Planning Session™. During the session, you will get more financially organized than ever before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Family Wealth Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this valuable session at no charge.
This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you seek legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained independently, separate from this educational material.
