WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO MY KIDS IF SOMETHING WERE TO HAPPEN TO ME?

As a mother of a 2-year-old, I can’t imagine what would happen to my son if something were to happen to me and my spouse. I would want to ensure that my child would always be taken care of by the people I want, in the way I want, no matter what happens.

If the unthinkable happens to the parents and without proper planning, here’s what could happen:

1. Your children could be placed in the temporary care of Child Protective Services (CPS) and into the arms of strangers until the authorities could figure out what to do. Even if it’s temporary, you don’t want your children to be with strangers, not even for a minute. 
   
2. Your children could be put into the custody and care of someone who was the last person you wanted your children to be with. 
   
3. Your family could get into a long, drawn out custody battle.
4.  A judge who doesn’t know you or your family or your values will decide who will raise your kids. And that person might have very different ideas about parenting than you do. 
5. Part of your total value of your assets could be lost through probate or tied up in probate court for years and deprive your kids of the resources they need to live comfortably
6. When your kids turn 18 years old, they get an inheritance check for whatever assets are left. 
7. Unscrupulous people make it their business to look into the public records to see what 18 year olds are getting an inheritance.

No one wants to think of the inevitable, but it’s best to be prepared and have a well thought-out plan to protect your children’s well-being and care if in case something were to happen.