Nomination of Guardian

What is a Nomination of Guardian, and Why do I need one?

A Nomination of Guardian is a document in which you designate the person who will care for your minor children (their “Guardian”) in case their parents are dead. If you ever go on dates with your spouse in the car together, it could happen. Leaving your families without a clear, legally enforceable expression of your desire for who should raise your children, at best adds expense and confusion to their grief. It is not uncommon for grandparents, aunts and uncles to hire lawyers and engage in expensive and traumatic battles over “who gets the kids.” And occasionally, children do end up in the foster care system, at least temporarily. NOTE – if you already have a Will, you probably have already nominated a Guardian in your Will, and don’t need to do a separate Nomination of Guardian. 

What is your process? 

COVID-19 update, May 2021: we’re fully vaccinated. If you are, too, you’re welcome to come to our office for the one-evening workshop – no mask required. Click on a signing workshop date on the calendar below, then complete our online interview (you will receive an email with a link to it). Come to our office on the workshop date, when Attorney Donald H. Sienkiewicz (“sin-KEH-vitch” – but “Donald” is fine) and get your questions answered. We do this in a workshop format, with up to six couples at a time in our conference room. Donald will also give you an overview of how guardianship, probate, Wills and Trusts work. At the end of the workshop, you will sign your Nomination of Guardian, and we will witness it so that your wishes will be honored by the courts. You take your Nomination of Guardian home with you.

What will you charge me? 

Nothing. Zero. Nada. Every young parent ought to have one of these documents in place. It actually physically pains us to know there are parents running around out there who have not legally designated a backup guardian.