Guardianship Planning
Plan for guardianship of minor children and dependents with special needs to ensure their care and protection.
About Guardianship Planning
Guardianship Planning ensures that if something happens to you, someone you trust will care for your minor children or dependents with special needs. It's one of the most important decisions a parent can make.
Key Considerations:
- • Personal Guardian - Provides daily care, housing, and nurturing
- • Financial Guardian - Manages assets and finances (can be separate)
- • Backup Guardians - Name alternates in case first choice cannot serve
- • Special Needs Trusts - Protect government benefits eligibility
- • Temporary vs. Permanent - Different types for different situations
- • Values & Religion - Choose guardians who share your beliefs
Without a designated guardian in your will, the court decides who raises your children. This can lead to family disputes and may not reflect your wishes. Discuss your decision with potential guardians beforehand and update your choice as circumstances change.
💡 Consider the guardian's age, health, financial stability, location, parenting style, and relationship with your children when making your choice.
Minor Children
Nolo Guardian Guide
Legal guide to choosing and naming a guardian for your children.
LegalZoom Guardian Selection
Professional guidance on selecting a guardian for your child.
FindLaw Guardian Naming
Legal resources for naming a guardian in your estate plan.
Rocket Lawyer Guardianship
DIY legal documents and guidance for guardianship designation.
FindLaw Family Resources
Comprehensive family law resources on guardianship matters.
American Bar Association
Professional legal resources on guardianship and estate planning.
Child Welfare Information
Federal resources on guardianship and child welfare matters.
USA.Gov Guardianship
Federal government information on guardianship processes.
Special Needs Planning
Special Needs Alliance
Network of attorneys specializing in special needs planning.
The Arc
Advocacy organization for people with intellectual disabilities.
Nolo Special Needs Trusts
Legal guide to special needs trusts and guardianship planning.
Social Security Administration
Official SSA information on trust funds and disability benefits.
ABLE National Resource
Resources for ABLE accounts for people with disabilities.
Autism Speaks
Financial planning resources for families with autism.
Special Needs Savings
Information on special needs savings accounts and planning.
Center for Special Needs Trust
Educational resources on special needs trust administration.
Guardianship Types
FindLaw Guardianship Types
Understanding different types of guardianship arrangements.
Nolo Temporary Guardianship
Legal guide to temporary vs. permanent guardianship.
Rocket Lawyer Temporary
DIY temporary guardianship documents and guidance.
USA.Gov Types
Federal information on guardianship types and requirements.
LegalZoom Comparison
Comparison of temporary vs. permanent guardianship options.
Justia Guardianship
Free legal resources and information on guardianship law.
LawHelp.org
Find free and low-cost legal aid for guardianship matters.
Child Welfare Resources
Federal resources on guardianship and child protection.
Legal Process
Nolo Appointment Process
Step-by-step guide to becoming appointed as a legal guardian.
ABA Guardianship Process
Professional legal resources on guardianship appointment.
California Courts
Self-help resources for guardianship in California.
New York Courts
Guardianship help and forms for New York residents.
LawHelp Legal Aid
Directory of free legal aid services for guardianship.
Avvo Family Lawyers
Find and review family law attorneys specializing in guardianship.
FindLaw Process Guide
Step-by-step guardianship process guide.
Justia Attorney Directory
Guardianship attorney directory by location.