All parents have lots to worry about—and single parents carry extra concerns on their shoulders. For example, legal experts emphasize the importance of thinking ahead about guardianship for children. In fact, guardianship is a central aspect of estate planning.
Estate Planning and Guardianship Basics
Let us face it: planning for death is not generally at the top of anyone’s list, right? Sudden, untimely death that leaves uncared for minors behind is even harder to ponder. That is why experienced estate planners encourage thoughtful contingency planning:
Every adult needs an estate plan and this is especially true of single parents. After all, children of single parents may have no fallback guardian should the unthinkable happen meaning it is all the more important to have a contingency plan in place.
Making guardianship designations is a step in writing your will. Before naming a person to this role, it is important to have an honest conversation with potential candidates, however. While your own parents are those most likely to share you are parenting values and style, their age might be cause for concern. One solution is to name substitute guardians who you, of course, will want to also ensure share your goals.
The role of legally appointed guardian comes with fiduciary responsibility, which means that the appointed person may be held liable if found to have acted otherwise than in your children’s best interest.
For the well-being of children, courts often require the designated guardian to post a type of surety bond referred to as a guardianship bond. The purpose of a guardianship bond is to protect the interest and affairs of the ward in accordance with applicable state laws. With national, digital and direct service, Colonial Surety Company makes it easy to obtain a guardianship bond efficiently and quickly. At Colonial, the steps to obtain a guardianship bond are easy: get a quote online, fill out the information, and enter a payment method, then print or e-file the bond from anywhere, anytime. Obtain a Guardianship Bond Here.
Practical Planning Advice
As you plan for the well-being and security of your children, legal experts advice-making plans covering not just how they will be cared for if you die, but also how they will be supported financially. Choosing an appropriate life insurance option can be daunting, but the right estate-planning lawyer can also help you with this task, ensuring that your children receive distributions as they grow. You can learn more about estate planning basics here. If you are not sure about who could be a guardian for your children, you may find the National Guardianship Association’s information about professional guardianships helpful.
Family and Estate Lawyer?
Chances are that families today are bringing more and more concerns to you for your wise consideration. Special needs trust? Blended families? Sensitive guardianship issues? Life’s ever more complicated and rushed, right? That’s why Colonial Surety wants to make it easier, faster and more affordable for you and your clients to obtain the exact fiduciary bonds needed, immediately. With Colonial, you can secure and instantly e-file the fiduciary—and even court bonds—required for your cases, anywhere in the country. Get exactly the right bond, quickly and efficiently, on time, every time.
Just sign up for your complimentary Attorney Partnership Account® right here. Once you have signed up, you can easily coordinate, obtain and e-file the fiduciary bonds your clients need—including guardian, administrator, executor, estate, trustee—and more!
With The Partnership Account® you will:
- Quote and purchase online, instantly.
- E-file or print bonds instantly, from anywhere—even the courthouse.
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- Opt to be placed on Colonial’s referral list for potential new clients.
- Receive direct access to our in-house legal counsel and underwriting
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Why Colonial Surety?
Reputation and Reliability: Colonial is rated “A” Excellent by A.M. Best Company, United States Department of the Treasury Approved and proudly in business since 1930.
Scope and Depth: Colonial is licensed for business all across the USA. Need a particular bond in a specific locality? We’ve got it.
Speed and Efficiency: Working with Colonial Surety is the easiest, most efficient way to obtain the exact court and fiduciary bonds you need for your clients and cases. Our in-depth experience of the bonding process, comprehensive portfolio and user friendly tech platform means you can be sure of getting the bond you need, on-time, every time.
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Just complete this quick sign up for The Partnership Account® for Attorneys and get started today.