[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.grossmcginley.com\/resources\/blog\/how-to-choose-a-guardian\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.grossmcginley.com\/resources\/blog\/how-to-choose-a-guardian\/","headline":"How to Choose a Guardian","name":"How to Choose a Guardian","description":"It’s considered morbid to think about dying before your children reach adulthood. No parent wants to miss […]","datePublished":"2021-08-18","dateModified":"2021-10-07","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.grossmcginley.com\/resources\/author\/nicholas-nanovic\/#Person","name":"R. Nicholas Nanovic","url":"https:\/\/www.grossmcginley.com\/resources\/author\/nicholas-nanovic\/","identifier":51,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.grossmcginley.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/R-Nicholas-Nanovic-headshot-150x150.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.grossmcginley.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/R-Nicholas-Nanovic-headshot-150x150.jpg","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Gross McGinley, LLP","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.grossmcginley.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/logopng-00436945-e1531508982151.png","url":"https:\/\/www.grossmcginley.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/logopng-00436945-e1531508982151.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.grossmcginley.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/How-to-Choose-a-Guardian.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.grossmcginley.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/How-to-Choose-a-Guardian.jpg","height":800,"width":800},"url":"https:\/\/www.grossmcginley.com\/resources\/blog\/how-to-choose-a-guardian\/","video":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=UGOBOjhcOw8#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=UGOBOjhcOw8","name":"How to Choose a Guardian","description":"It's considered morbid to think about dying before your children reach adulthood. No parent wants to miss out on watching their little ones grow up, let alone have to determine who is worthy to step in and raise them how they would. \n\nChoosing a Guardian as part of a Will can feel daunting, and it sometimes holds parents back from even creating important estate plan documents. \n\nAccredited Estate Planner\u00ae and Estates attorney R. Nicholas Nanovic shares insights on how to choose a Guardian. He addresses how the Court determines Guardianship and factors to consider when naming a Guardian. \n\nTo learn more about estate planning, please visit https:\/\/www.grossmcginley.com\/services\/estates\/wills-trusts-poas\/","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/UGOBOjhcOw8\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/UGOBOjhcOw8\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/UGOBOjhcOw8\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/UGOBOjhcOw8\/sddefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2021-08-17T14:47:49+00:00","duration":"PT3M53S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UGOBOjhcOw8","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCOYR3tHLYW5VxFjUoxeMQzA#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCOYR3tHLYW5VxFjUoxeMQzA","name":"Gross McGinley","description":"Gross McGinley, LLP offers a powerhouse legal team serving individuals & businesses in the Greater Lehigh Valley & Monroe County. Our team of attorneys offer a full range of legal services including banking, tax, business, & employment law, litigation, divorce & family law, intellectual property, insurance defense, medical malpractice defense, municipal law, real estate, estate planning, criminal defense, & sports law. Our services are provided by a team of dedicated people offering innovative solutions with professional service. Rooted in Lehigh Valley for nearly 50 years, we emphasize the importance of community leadership & support. \n\nThe content found in these resources is for informational reference use only & is not considered legal advice. Laws at all levels of government change frequently & the information found here may be or become outdated. It is recommended to consult your attorney for the most up-to-date information regarding current laws & legal matters.\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/dvCtFoacLzBb2fnN1EnRLyYMmzaIT8stgK3-UrJ2u9eYfkwRkLXEVf3dEh3ZLrU-3K_JLZUwCA=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=UGOBOjhcOw8#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=UGOBOjhcOw8#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=UGOBOjhcOw8&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=UGOBOjhcOw8#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":58}]]},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Lv7cA3OUE64#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Lv7cA3OUE64","name":"How to Choose an Executor","description":"When you make the choice to create your estate plan, you are making the first of MANY choices! \n\nOne of the basic estate documents is a Will, which helps express your wishes for your family, property and assets. Upon your passing, an Executor will carry out, or execute, the terms of your Will. \n\nWhat is the job of an Executor? What are the requirements of an Executor? What are characteristics of an Executor?\n\nAccredited Estate Planner\u00ae and Estates attorney R. Nicholas Nanovic shares insights on how to choose an Executor. \n\nTo learn more about estate planning, please visit https:\/\/www.grossmcginley.com\/services\/estates\/","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/Lv7cA3OUE64\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/Lv7cA3OUE64\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/Lv7cA3OUE64\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/Lv7cA3OUE64\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/Lv7cA3OUE64\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2021-07-06T19:34:13+00:00","duration":"PT2M52S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Lv7cA3OUE64","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCOYR3tHLYW5VxFjUoxeMQzA#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCOYR3tHLYW5VxFjUoxeMQzA","name":"Gross McGinley","description":"Gross McGinley, LLP offers a powerhouse legal team serving individuals & businesses in the Greater Lehigh Valley & Monroe County. Our team of attorneys offer a full range of legal services including banking, tax, business, & employment law, litigation, divorce & family law, intellectual property, insurance defense, medical malpractice defense, municipal law, real estate, estate planning, criminal defense, & sports law. Our services are provided by a team of dedicated people offering innovative solutions with professional service. Rooted in Lehigh Valley for nearly 50 years, we emphasize the importance of community leadership & support. \n\nThe content found in these resources is for informational reference use only & is not considered legal advice. Laws at all levels of government change frequently & the information found here may be or become outdated. It is recommended to consult your attorney for the most up-to-date information regarding current laws & legal matters.\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/dvCtFoacLzBb2fnN1EnRLyYMmzaIT8stgK3-UrJ2u9eYfkwRkLXEVf3dEh3ZLrU-3K_JLZUwCA=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Lv7cA3OUE64#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Lv7cA3OUE64#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Lv7cA3OUE64&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Lv7cA3OUE64#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":129}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Lv7cA3OUE64#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":1}]},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=hwFe4FJynno#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=hwFe4FJynno","name":"How to Choose a Trustee","description":"If you decide to create a Trust as part of your estate plan, you will need to assign a Trustee. How do you choose this person? \n\nAccredited Estate Planner\u00ae and Estates Attorney R. Nicholas Nanovic shares insights on:\n- the job of a Trustee\n- characteristics and responsibilities of a Trustee\n- pros and cons of an individual vs. corporate Trustee\n\nPlus, always name a backup Trustee to assume the role if your primary choice is unable or unwilling to fulfill these duties.  \n\nTo learn more about estate planning, please visit https:\/\/www.grossmcginley.com\/services\/estates\/wills-trusts-poas\/","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/hwFe4FJynno\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/hwFe4FJynno\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/hwFe4FJynno\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/hwFe4FJynno\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/hwFe4FJynno\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2021-08-18T19:24:03+00:00","duration":"PT2M57S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hwFe4FJynno","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCOYR3tHLYW5VxFjUoxeMQzA#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCOYR3tHLYW5VxFjUoxeMQzA","name":"Gross McGinley","description":"Gross McGinley, LLP offers a powerhouse legal team serving individuals & businesses in the Greater Lehigh Valley & Monroe County. Our team of attorneys offer a full range of legal services including banking, tax, business, & employment law, litigation, divorce & family law, intellectual property, insurance defense, medical malpractice defense, municipal law, real estate, estate planning, criminal defense, & sports law. Our services are provided by a team of dedicated people offering innovative solutions with professional service. Rooted in Lehigh Valley for nearly 50 years, we emphasize the importance of community leadership & support. \n\nThe content found in these resources is for informational reference use only & is not considered legal advice. Laws at all levels of government change frequently & the information found here may be or become outdated. It is recommended to consult your attorney for the most up-to-date information regarding current laws & legal matters.\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/dvCtFoacLzBb2fnN1EnRLyYMmzaIT8stgK3-UrJ2u9eYfkwRkLXEVf3dEh3ZLrU-3K_JLZUwCA=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=hwFe4FJynno#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=hwFe4FJynno#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=hwFe4FJynno&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=hwFe4FJynno#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":345}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=hwFe4FJynno#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":4}]}],"about":["Blog"],"wordCount":491,"keywords":["Estate Planning & Administration","Wills","Wills & Estates"],"articleBody":"It’s considered morbid to think about dying before your children reach adulthood. No parent wants to miss out on watching their little ones grow up, let alone have to determine who is worthy to step in and raise them how they would. Choosing a Guardian as part of a Will can feel daunting, and it sometimes holds parents back from even creating important estate plan documents. To help parents make this tough decision, read on for tips on how to choose a Guardian.How Courts decide GuardianshipShould you pass away, and your child has no surviving natural parent, the Court will decide placement for children under the age of 18. Through a Guardianship proceeding, the Court will evaluate many factors to determine Guardianship. While you should create a Will and nominate a Guardian, please be aware that the Court will consider your nomination but there is not guarantee the person(s) you name will be selected.\u00a0The goal of the Court is to make the best decision for the child and it’s important they know your wishes.\u00a0As noted above, the Court makes a Guardianship decision when no biological or adopted parents are in place. For parents who are separated or divorced, your ex-partner will retain custody of your child(ren) should you pass away. These are default rights, unless parental rights have been terminated.\u00a0Considerations when nominating a GuardianAs you determine whom may assume guardianship of your minor child(ren), consider the following:\tLocation – if you want your child to stay where you currently reside and possibly attend school, perhaps consider a local Guardian or one who is willing to relocate.\u00a0\tParenting skills – is the person you nominate a parent, or does that person have professional or personal experience with raising children, such as a teacher, etc.? Does this matter to you?\tReligious beliefs and philosophies – do they share your faith, and if not, is this alright? Public versus private school? The Guardian will have ultimate control over decisions that impact these areas of your child’s life, so be sure that you know how they may honor your beliefs and philosophies.\u00a0\tCo-guardians – don’t name a person and their spouse as Co-guardians, unless you want both to be equally considered as Guardians. This could be problematic or confusing should a couple get divorced or one of them deceased at the time that the Court needs to consider who will be Guardian of your child. Be clear in your Will.\u00a0\tSuccessor – life happens and things change; be sure to name a backup Guardian should your first choice be unable or unwilling to accept responsibility of your child(ren).Having to choose a Guardian is hard. To discuss this and other important choices, like choosing an Executor and choosing a Trustee, please speak with an Estate attorney.\u00a0Attorney R. Nicholas Nanovic is an Accredited Estate Planner\u00ae, serving as chair of Gross McGinley\u2019s Estates and Tax Law teams."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Resources","item":"https:\/\/www.grossmcginley.com\/resources\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.grossmcginley.com\/resources\/\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How to Choose a Guardian","item":"https:\/\/www.grossmcginley.com\/resources\/blog\/how-to-choose-a-guardian\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]