SJP Guardianship
A guardian is a person whom you name to be the person to be responsible for the care and upbringing of your children if you die before they reach adulthood.
If you fail to appoint a person to act as the legal guardian then the courts will appoint one for you and it may not be the person whom you would have chosen. Whilst the court will endeavour to find a suitable person, you the parent will ultimately always be in a better position to make an informed decision about the suitability of a guardian.
Furthermore, the State will take time finding this person and this might mean that your children are taken into the care system until a guardian is appointed. Avoid unnecessary delays, drama and fights amongst different family members by laying out your wishes beforehand.
Who should be a Guardian?
It is vital that you give good consideration as to whom you would want to look after your children if something happens to you.
The choice of guardian is highly personal and often very difficult to make but do not let the fact that it is challenging delay you from making one. In making your choice you should consider the following:
- Your feelings about their parenting skills
- Their age
- Their values
- Their relationship with your children
- Whether they will be able to handle the responsibility of looking after your children.
Before appointing someone as a guardian, it is important to talk to them first and make sure they are comfortable with taking on the responsibility of caring for your children. The role is permanent and not something that will be easy. To assist your guardians you should leave them a letter of wishes with your Will to provide guidance about how you would want your children raised. It is also sensible to appoint substitute guardians if your chosen guardians cannot act for whatever reason.
Advice relating to guardianship involves the referral to a service that is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James’s Place.