The last thing parents of young children wish to think about is their own mortality. It can be difficult to find the time to make a Will. However, making a Will appointing guardians to look after your children in the event of your premature death could be the most important thing you do for them.
If both parents die, many people assume that their children would automatically be cared for by their closest relatives or friends. In fact, those relatives or friends have no legal right to become the children’s guardians. If the parents have not appointed guardians, the High Court would have to determine who should be the children’s guardians. The local Social Services would become involved; they might put your children into care and have them forcibly adopted. In a recent reported case in Scotland social workers took two boys away from their grandparents and allowed them to be adopted by a couple they had never met. Most parents want to choose who would take care of their children in this situation. A well-drafted Will can ensure also that the guardians would not be financially prejudiced.
Making a Will appointing guardians is a straightforward procedure. It will bring peace of mind and protect your children in the event of both parents dying whilst their children are under 18.
Stephen Gallico Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (Registration number: 386696).
A copy of the Solicitors’ Code of Conduct 2007, which sets out the rules of professional conduct which apply to solicitors, is available on the Solicitors Regulation Authority website: http://www.sra.org.uk.
Our professional indemnity cover is with Zurich Insurance plc of The London Underwriting Centre, 3 Minster Court, Mincing Lane, London EC3R 7DD. The territorial cover of our policy is worldwide.
