Guardians are the people chosen by the Testator to look after their children in the event of their death. More about the Guardian's role

People named in a Will to act as guardians for any children until they are old enough to look after themselves

Guardians are the people that you consider would raise your children as you would choose to do so if you were not around to be there for them as they grew up.

Those you appoint to care for your children until they reach the age of eighteen years.

These are people who will look after your children (if under 18 years of age) at the time of your death. A surviving parent from a marriage has certain parental rights over the guardianship of his/her children, so you do not need to name them. If you are not married to the parent of your child you are advised to state your wishes with regard to guardianship, but no advice can be given by us as to the effectiveness of your wishes. Guardians must be 18 or over. However in most cases such an appointment will not take effect until the death of the surviving parent. The role of guardian differs from the role of trustee in that whilst the trustee has the financial responsibility of managing funds held in trust, the guardian is responsible for the welfare and upbringing of the child. Liaison between the trustee and the guardian is required to plan for the child's financial future. The wills we prepare include wide powers to enable the trustees to release both capital and income to assist with maintenance, education or benefit of any child in the care of a guardian.