Guardianship Planning for Minors
A Comprehensive Child Protection Plan is a set of instructions and legal documents, which you need if you have minor children. If you are in an accident or you become incapacitated, your Comprehensive Child Protection Plan will make sure your children are not taken into the custody of Child Protective Services or a stranger until the State appoints a guardian to care for your minor children.
A Comprehensive Child Protection Plan can prevent this from happening by allowing you to choose guardians to provide temporary and/or permanent care for your children and by providing instructions to your caregivers and guardians so they will always know what to do if something happens.
Some people think naming a permanent guardian in their Will is sufficient. However, a guardian named in your Will only takes effect after you die.
A Comprehensive Child Protection Plan provides:
• Legal documents to name short-term/temporary guardians who live nearby and who can be there quickly for your children.
• Letters to your short-term/temporary guardians notifying them that they have been selected as a guardian and letting them know what to do if anything happens.
• Legal documents to name long-term guardians who will raise your children.
• Letters to your long-term guardians notifying them that they have been selected as a guardian and letting them know what to do if anything happens.
• Instructions for people who take care of your children so they will always know what to do if anything happens to you.
• Guidelines for your long-term guardians stating how you want your children to be raised.
• Medical powers of attorney for your minor children so when they travel without you or you travel without them, they will get the medical care they need.
• An ID card for your wallet stating that you have minor children at home and stating who should be contacted if anything happens to you.
If you have minor children and you want to ensure they are fully protected, call and ask about our Comprehensive Child Protection Plan.
If you have questions about any aspect of estate planning and what we can
do for you, please contact us or visit our resource page.
Serving your interests in Maryland and Washington, DC, including Rockville, Gaithersburg, Potomac, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Columbia, Camp Springs, Fort Washington, Upper Marlboro, Bowie, Forestville, Prince Frederick, Waldorf, Largo, Temple Hills, Greenbelt, College Park; and in Montgomery County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Howard County, Prince Georges County and Anne Arundel County.
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