Choosing a guardian for your kids is a serious consideration. It shouldn’t be taken lightly. After all, this person could be responsible for raising your child(ren).
Choose someone who:
- Has similar values
- Is stable in life
- Is young & healthy
- Is trustworthy
Choose a secondary (and possibly tertiary) guardian in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to take on the responsibility.
Ask all of them if they are willing to be named as guardians.
Note, guardians are not necessarily the same as emergency contacts.
Make it legal in your will. Many people think a will is only for distribution of assets. That’s not the case. Naming a guardian for your kids is perhaps the most important reason to have a will. If you die without a will, the court may choose the guardians of your children. Worst case scenario, the court could make them wards of the state.
You can change your mind at any time. However, doing so legally requires an update to your will. This can be costly if done by an attorney. So, be thoughtful about this.
Source: 10 Tips For Choosing A Guardian For Your Minor Child (Forbes)