Who will take care of the kids? Published April 7, 2010 By Maj. Jennifer Fournier 81st Training Wing Legal Office KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- You have life insurance, don't you? You don't plan to die now, but you know if you do your loved ones will have some financial security. You assume your spouse will be there to take care of the children-- but what if you and your spouse die together? If you've written a will and named the guardian in it, then it's almost certain that person will take of your children. If you die without naming a guardian, the state will decide who will raise them. Normally a family member will volunteer. Sometimes more than one family member will volunteer and then things can get ugly. It can drag on; there will be hurt feelings; and the "winner" may not even be the person you would have chosen. Now you plan to do your will and name a guardian. How do you choose? Through life insurance and other assets, you will probably leave your children enough money that they won't be a financial burden on their guardians. What is the family situation of the guardians? How many children do they have already? Are the guardians young enough to raise your children? Do they want to? Will that person raise your children as you have? For example, is your 50- year-old mother the best person to name as guardian for your 1-year-old? Your mom will be in her late 60s when your child graduates from high school. Does she want to spend her 60s dealing with a teenager? Will her health allow her to? Ask yourself these tough questions and then come to the legal office to create or update your will. For legal assistance, call 376-8601 or visit Room 227, Sablich Center.