Quoted in:
The Wall Street Journal
The New York Times
TIME
Better Homes and Gardens
Working Mother
Daily Camera

Are you a parent? You need to have a will and estate plan

Braverman Law Group, LLC

If you’re planning to have a baby, then you also need to have a will. The most important reason why relates to the unlikely event that you and the other parent die. A last will and testament will dictate who shall serve as the guardians of your children if you and the other parent of your child are no longer able.

In addition to indicating who will be the guardian of your child in the case of incapacitation or death, wills offer other important benefits to parents.

Other arguments for parents to write a will

Most people believe that wills are all about who receives what when you die. While this is certainly true — and you can use your will to indicate how your assets shall be distributed — parents will be most interested in a will because it allows them to select the guardian of their children.

Failing to create a will means that the court will decide who cares for your child. Imagine what could happen if your family members disagree on who should be the replacement guardian of your children after you die. Perhaps your mother and father want to take your child, but your spouse’s family wants your child, too. This could result in a long legal battle, confusion and difficulty surrounding your child’s care.

Wouldn’t you rather select the most important people to be your child’s guardians? With an appropriately drafted will, you can select your first choice, then second and third choices as backups in case your preferred choice is unable to fulfill his or her guardianship duties.

Personal and property guardians

In addition to a personal guardian of your child, you can select a property guardian for your child to ensure that your child’s financial assets — inherited from you — are well taken care of. In many cases, parents choose different people to serve as personal and property guardians to ensure some oversight regarding (1) the way the property guardian cares for your child’s money, and (2) the way the personal guardian spends that money.

Can you see the value in setting up a will as a parent?

Parents will have a lot of different estate planning options available to choose from. Selecting the most suitable estate planning strategies for your needs will be essential to your family’s well-being in the event of your untimely or unexpected death.

Related Posts: What are the benefits of a revocable living trust?, Do you need to update your will? , With estate planning, avoiding mistakes is a must, 6 tips for creating an effective pet trust

Get Your Free Educational Guide

Client Reviews

When my husband died, I felt I needed to honor him for his children and friends. Working through the plans was healthy because I've been a planner professionally. My...

Barbara Joan Martin Colorado

I really appreciate your calming nature. You are incredibly helpful and kind. After speaking with me it was the first time in a long while where I was able to sleep...

Trudy Moore Colorado

I trust Bennett and feel his depth of knowledge. The time and energy Bennett spent briefing the beneficiaries of our plan – helping them to know what to expect and what...

Anonymous Colorado

Diedre took the time to go beyond our initial assumptions and explained how we can benefit from strategies no one had explained to us before.

Kathy Colorado

Bennett Braverman is a thorough, knowledgeable expert in his field. He did an excellent job in walking us through the Living Trust process, coaching us through decisions...

Lisa Colorado

Address

Located in downtown Boulder, across from the Justice Center. Take Canyon Boulevard to 6th Street. Our building is right on the corner of 6th and Canyon, with exposed red brick on the front. We offer onsite underground parking just to the right after you turn onto 6th. An elevator takes you to our open and light offices on the second floor.

507 Canyon Blvd #203

Boulder, CO 80302

Phone: (303) 800-1588 Fax: (303) 479-8408

Contact Us

  1. 1 Free Consultation
  2. 2 Plan Now for Your Peace of Mind
  3. 3 Speak Directly to an Attorney

Fill out the contact form or call us at (303) 800-1588 to schedule your free consultation.

Leave Us a Message

JUSTIA 10 - Badges
Super Lawyers Rising Stars - Badge
Colorado Bar Association - Badges
Wealth Counsel - Badges
Avvo Rating 10 / Top Attorney Estate Planning - Badges
Avvo Client's Choice 2016 / Estate Planning - Badges
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc - Badges
Southern California Institute - Badge
Boulder County Bar Association - Badges

Schlender Law Clients