You don’t have to be “old” to need a plan for what happens when you die. Life and death both happen in unexpected ways, at unexpected times.
Imagine an accident on the way home from date night, the police knock at your door and ask the babysitter who your children will be staying with while things are sorted out. She doesn’t know, and the kids end up in the custody of the state for the next few days. Your kids just can’t understand why mommy and daddy aren’t there, and why can’t they be with grandma? Sadly, that can be just the beginning of the troubles you could leave for your children if you don’t have a plan.
If you have minor children, there are several issues you’ll need to plan for:
Emergencies
In the event of an emergency, will your children go into protective custody with the state? If you get into an accident and don’t have a plan in place, your children could end up in foster care while the government sorts out what to do.
Guardianship
If something should happen to you (and your spouse, if you’re married), who would you want to raise your children? This can be one of the most difficult decisions for parents, but remember it’s much easier for you to choose someone than a court who knows nothing about your family and friends.
Money Management
If you die while your children are still minors, any money they are to receive would be put into a court-established conservatorship, where the court decides who will manage the money for your children and how it will be both invested and spent. Then, on your child’s 21st birthday (in Colorado), they receive the ultimate gift … the rest of their inheritance, to spend however they wish! Most parents prefer to have their children gain control once they’ve gained a little more maturity, so the money can be spent on things that matter.
To ensure your children are taken care of the way you want if the unthinkable were to happen, register for one of our upcoming Workshops to get all the details (we offer both general estate planning workshops and some specifically for young families), or schedule a Personal Consultation today!
For more information
Not sure whether a Will or Trust is right for the foundation of your estate plan?
Register for one of our upcoming Estate Planning Workshops to get all the details.
Call our office at 719-520-1474 or 303-736-6060
or use the button below to schedule a Personal Consultation
