Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Twelve Steps For Christian Estate Planning- Step #6

By: Laurie Valentine- COO & Trust Counsel

A Christian estate plan is one you develop by determining how God wants you to: (1) provide for your family and other “dependents” at your death and (2) have your finances managed and decisions made for you if you became incapacitated and no longer able to do those things for yourself.

Step #6 Name a Guardian for Minor Children. Children under age 18 are “minors” under Kentucky law. As such, they cannot make decisions for themselves or manage assets. The law requires a guardian be named by a court to handle those things until a child reaches age 18, if there is not a natural or adoptive parent surviving.

Accomplishing God’s plan for how you should provide for your family includes deciding who should be named to take on the important role of “guardian” for your children if both parents died before all of your children reach age 18. And, once that decision has been made, it should be communicated by including a provision in your Will naming that person(s) so your family and the court will know who you want appointed as guardian if such a circumstance occurs.

Next Month-Step Use Trusts to Help Beneficiaries Handle Their Wealth   

For more information, please call us at (502) 489-3533 or toll free in KY at 1(866) 489-3533.

The information in this article is provided as general information and is not intended as legal or tax advice. For advice and assistance in specific cases, you should seek the advice of an attorney or other professional adviser.

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