Plan for the Future of the People Who Matter Most
For parents, estate planning is about more than property and finances. It is about making thoughtful decisions for the children who depend on them — from choosing trusted caregivers to planning how an inheritance should be managed. A carefully considered plan can give your family greater direction and help prepare for circumstances no parent wants to imagine.
Planning for children and guardianship counsel for families throughout Holliston and the MetroWest area.
Planning for Children Starts Before You Need the Plan
Many parents postpone estate planning because they believe they do not yet have enough assets to protect. But planning for children is about much more than wealth. An estate plan can help parents make important decisions about who should care for their children, how assets should be managed for them and how their wishes should be communicated if something unexpected happens.
The goal is not to predict the future. It is to prepare for it thoughtfully.
Choose the People You Would Trust With Your Children.
One of the most important decisions parents can make is identifying who they would want to care for their minor children if they are no longer able to do so. A properly prepared estate plan can include a nomination of a guardian. The court ultimately makes the appointment, but clearly expressing your wishes can provide important direction.
Trust
Choose someone whose relationship with your children and understanding of your family gives you confidence.
Stability
Consider who can provide a stable, supportive environment during a difficult transition.
Values
Think about the values, traditions, and principles you would want reflected in your children's upbringing.
Relationship
Consider the existing bond between the potential guardian and your children.
Practical Realities
Consider location, household circumstances, age, health, time, and the ability to take on the responsibility.
A Decision Worth Thinking Through Carefully
Commitment
Does this person genuinely want to take on the responsibility?
Relationship
What relationship do they already have with your children?
Stability
Can they provide a stable and supportive home environment?
Location
Would their location allow your children to maintain important family, school, and community connections where appropriate?
Family Circumstances
How would caring for your children fit within their existing household and responsibilities?
Financial Practicalities
Are there resources and arrangements in place to help support the children?
Plan for More Than One Possibility
The person you initially choose may not always be able or willing to serve when the time comes. For that reason, parents may want to consider alternate candidates as part of their overall estate planning.
Flexibility as Circumstances Change
Thinking through more than one trusted option can provide additional direction and flexibility as circumstances change.
The right approach depends on your family's circumstances and relationships.
Protect an Inheritance Until Your Children Are Ready
Leaving assets to a minor child can raise questions about how those assets should be managed and when the child should receive them. A properly structured trust can provide a framework for managing assets for a child's benefit and can establish instructions concerning how and when those resources may be used, depending on the family's circumstances.
Education
Consider how funds may be used for education and related expenses.
Healthcare
Provide a framework for addressing healthcare and other important needs.
Everyday Support
Trust provisions can address appropriate living and support expenses.
Timing
A trust can establish terms for when and how a beneficiary receives assets, subject to its specific terms.
Flexibility
A carefully structured plan can account for changing needs as children grow.
The Person Raising Your Child Does Not Have to Manage the Money
A guardian and a trustee can serve different roles. A guardian is responsible for the care and upbringing of the child. A trustee manages trust assets according to the terms of the trust.
A Plan That Works for Your Family
In some families, the same person may be appropriate for both roles. In others, parents may prefer to separate those responsibilities based on the individuals' strengths and circumstances.
The important consideration is creating a plan that works for your family.
Every Child Has Different Needs
Special Needs
A child with disabilities or special needs may require additional planning to preserve appropriate support and consider eligibility for applicable benefits.
Different Ages
A plan may need to account for children at different stages of development.
Different Financial Needs
Parents may want to consider how resources should be allocated based on each child's circumstances.
Education
Planning can address educational goals and expenses where appropriate.
Long-Term Support
Some children may need continued financial or practical support beyond traditional milestones.
Your family will change. Your plan should, too.
New Family Members
Birth of another child, adoption, marriage, or divorce.
Loss of a Key Person
Death of a guardian or trustee named in your plan.
Life & Asset Changes
Major changes in family relationships, assets, or relocation.
Changing Needs
A child reaching adulthood or changes in a child's needs or your wishes.
Your children grow. Your family changes. Your plan should have room to change with them.
As your family evolves, your plan can be reviewed and updated to continue reflecting your circumstances and wishes.
Family & Legacy
Planning is about more than what you leave behind.
Planning for children can address who will care for them, how assets will be managed, and how your family values can be communicated over time.
It can also help prepare children for future financial responsibility, protect continuity for your family, and create clear instructions for the people you trust most.
Thoughtful planning for your family's future.
Listen
Understand your family, relationships, priorities, and concerns.
Explain
Make complicated estate planning decisions easier to understand.
Plan
Build an estate plan that reflects your family's circumstances and goals.
Schedule a Legal Consultation
Discuss Your Estate Goals
Meeting Format
In-Office or Virtual (Zoom)
Initial Consultation
Generally $400
Explore more ways we can help.
Estate Planning
A coordinated plan for your assets, family, and future.
Wills
Establishing how your assets should be distributed and who should carry out your wishes.
Elder Law
Guidance on long-term care and asset protection as you age.
Plan for the Future of Your Family
Thoughtful planning can help you make important decisions for your children today while creating a framework that can adapt as your family grows and changes.
Deland Law Office
1660 Washington Street
Holliston, MA 01746