Attorney
Hi Everyone,
Happy Wednesday!!! This week, we are going to talk about choice.
I’d like you to take a moment to think about the family and friends that you saw or talked to over the holidays. Re-create that day and think about everyone you came into contact with. Perhaps you had your mom in the kitchen, your aunts and uncles spread throughout the living room, your children either helping you cook or impatiently waiting to eat. The air was likely filled with equal parts excitement and holiday chaos, and you were likely surrounded by the familiarity of family. You knew Uncle Peter would tell his same old stories, Aunt Mary would insist on bringing dessert, and that Paul better get his favorite seat at the table. It is likely that the mood of the day would be predicated upon the family that was arriving.
Now, take a second and look around that room you just envisioned. I want you to ask yourself one question:
- Do you really want some of those people raising your kids if you are unable to do so???
Sounds silly, but seriously think about it. As much as you love your family and friends, holidays tend to be the best time to remind yourself that although you love these people, they are certainly not the best potential guardians.
Remember, there is no magical grandparent rule if you are not around to tend for your children. If something should happen to a parent the onerous is on that person’s family to step forward and say that they want custody. Now, think about all of those awesome family relationships that you have…how many people do you think feel like they’d be the best guardian if you weren’t around? This is where the fighting ensues, unfortunately, now it’s in the courtroom.
Proper estate planning can put an end to these fights before they even begin. Further, by choosing what’s best for yourself and your family now, you no longer have to worry about future responsibilities being passed to whomever was sitting next to you at the dinner table. Rethink previous family events, and truly ask yourself, do I really want to leave this up to chance?
If you’re ready to take control of your future and make a decision that’s going to be the best for you, give me a call and you will no longer have to worry about who you sit next to at the dinner table.
Until next time.
Wishing you and your family a safe journey,
Amy