If you’re a parent, you probably spend most of your time planning for your kids what they’ll eat, where they’ll go to school, and how to keep them safe. But have you planned for who will care for them if you’re not around?
It’s not a fun question, but it’s one of the most important. At Smith Barid, LLC, we help Georgia parents make sure their children are legally and financially protected through guardianship and trust planning. Here’s what every parent should know.
Who Will Raise Your Kids If You Can’t?
If something happens to you and the other parent, the court will decide who raises your children unless you’ve named a legal guardian in your will. That means someone who doesn’t know your family could be making one of the most personal decisions of your life.
When you name a guardian, you’re choosing someone you trust to care for your children, love them, and raise them according to your values. You can also name backups, just in case your first choice can’t serve.
Who Will Manage Their Inheritance?
Minors can’t legally inherit money or property outright. If you don’t create a plan, the court will appoint someone to manage the funds, and your child will gain full control at age 18, whether they’re ready or not.
That’s where trust comes in. A trust lets you decide:
- Who manages your child’s inheritance
- How the money should be used (for education, housing, health, etc.)
- When your child can access the money whether that’s at 25, 30, or even in stages
Trusts are flexible, private, and help avoid unnecessary court involvement.
Protecting Your Kids Starts with a Conversation
You don’t have to be rich or own a bunch of assets to need this kind of planning. If you have kids, a guardianship and trust plan is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.
At Smith Barid, we’ll walk you through your options in plain language, with no pressure and no judgment, just smart, caring guidance.
Call us at 912-352-3999 or click here to schedule your discovery meeting. With offices in Savannah and Marietta, we help Georgia parents gain peace of mind knowing their children are fully protected.
