If you have children, you will probably want them to inherit your estate when you and your spouse or partner die. You will probably want to ensure that they are properly looked after in the tragic event that you die before they reach the age of 18. You may also want your step-children to inherit your estate when you die. To ensure that your wishes are carried out when you die you should make a will.

By making a will you also have the opportunity to appoint guardians to look after your children in the event that you die before they reach the age of 18. Guardians are responsible for the day to day care of children and are responsible for deciding how children are brought up, looked after and educated. They may also be responsible for taking care of the finances of a child until they reach the age of 18.

If you have children and you fail to appoint a guardian to look after them in the event that you die before they reach the age of 18 and if no one else has parental control of your children, the Court will appoint guardians for you. It could take several months for the Court to appoint a guardian and in the intervening period your children could be taken into care. A Court appointed guardian will not necessarily be the person you would have preferred to look after your children.

If you are living as an expat and are a long way from friends and family, this situation could be exacerbated if there is not a social care system in place to care for your children whilst the law decides on the future of your children.  Contact Wills World Wide for assistance in ensuring that your children’s future is secure in the event of the unthinkable.