The reports require to be dated within 30 days of the application to the court for guardianship. If you do not name a legal Guardian in your Will, you are allowing the Courts to decide who looks after your children and where they live, regardless of what you might have verbally agreed with a family member or a friend. Some states also have a co-guardianship law, where a parent can ask the court to appoint a third party as a permanent co-guardian. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. If you have a child that is under the age of 18, you may wish to appoint a legal guardian to look after them should you die before they reach the age of majority. Typically guardian ad litems are appointed in any cases that may affect a child’s legal rights. A guardian will look after your child’s everyday needs, make important decisions about their It should be noted that to become a legal guardian, the person must be over the age of 18 and have a direct interest in the dependents well-being and financial security. It’s important the person you appoint is willing and genuinely ready to take on legal guardianship for a child. Here are a few tips: Ask the chosen guardian for permission first! Call us on 0800 788 0500 or email support@aprilking.co.uk for a free appointment. Appointing legal Guardians enables you to choose and control who will look after your children in the event of your death. The above is a general outline of appointing a guardian in your Will and a brief overview of parental responsibility. If the mother survives, the father's appointment of a guardian only takes effect on the mother's eventual death. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. Who should you appoint as a guardian? The forms and procedures for obtaining legal guardianship vary greatly from state to state, so always consult with an attorney. Speak to April King Legal’s lawyers today for advice on guardianship clauses and other aspects of your Will, specific to your circumstances. How to make someone a legal guardian. You can appoint a legal guardian for your child by making a new will, or by making a small alteration to your existing will. Guardianship is governed by the Children Act 1989. Your Solicitor will assist with the court application to have you appointed as guardian. Those parents with Parental Responsibility can appoint a Legal Guardian for their children, in the event that they die whilst the child is under 18. Should I appoint a legal guardian? Choosing a guardian for your loved one is a very personal matter, so the choice should be between you and your chosen guardian. 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