Free planning guide · 5 minutes

Guardian Conversation Guide

Prepare for a thoughtful conversation with the people you may ask to care for your children.

Prepare for a thoughtful guardian conversation.

Explore the practical questions before asking someone to care for your children. Use general notes to prepare for a family conversation and an attorney appointment.

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What matters most in your children’s daily care?

01What matters most in your children’s daily care?

Think about routines, education, cultural or religious traditions, sibling relationships, and connections with extended family.

Who could provide that care?

02Who could provide that care?

Consider willingness, health, location, household circumstances, and the relationship your children already have with each person.

Have you asked about willingness and practical concerns?

03Have you asked about willingness and practical concerns?

Discuss expectations openly. Make room for questions about housing, time, work, and the support that would be available.

Have you considered a backup person?

04Have you considered a backup person?

Think through who you would want to discuss if your first choice could not take on the role.

Who would help manage money for your children?

05Who would help manage money for your children?

Prepare questions about financial support and whether the person managing property should be different from the person providing daily care.

What needs to be discussed with an attorney?

06What needs to be discussed with an attorney?

This worksheet organizes a conversation. It does not create or change a will, guardian nomination, beneficiary designation, or other legal document. A qualified attorney can advise on your circumstances and state law.

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Turn your answers into a plan.

Tools are educational only. They do not provide legal advice and do not save your answers.