Couples with young children should have wills that designate who is to serve as guardians of the children if both parents die, St. Louis lawyers Bethe Growe and Nancy Dilley advise.
Guardians have physical custody of the children. But the wills also should name a trustee to administer the parents’ estates for the benefit of the children, the lawyers said. If they wish, the parents can designate a guardian as their choice for trustee.
The lawyers stressed that naming of guardians and trustees in a will is only “a request to the court,” which will make the actual choice.
Before having wills drawn up, parents should talk with people they are considering for the roles of guardian and trustee to be sure they would accept the responsibility if necessary.