Bringing a baby into this world is one of life’s greatest joys. Along with this joy comes responsibility and concern for the raising of this child. The preparation for having a child and raising a child is vast — finding a child seat for the car, diapers, interviewing pediatricians, childcare, safe-proofing the home and schooling, etc. And then late at night, the anxiety-inducing question comes up: “What if I’m not here for my child?”
Guardianship: Should you pass when your child is a minor, the person who will take over raising your child is called the guardian. A guardian can be appointed in your last will and testament. This person serves as guardian until your child reaches the age of majority, which is 18 in Hawai‘i. The guardian would not be in direct control over money and assets; rather, the guardian’s main purpose is to assume the role of parent to raise the child.
When choosing a guardian, you want to consider the following: Do you trust this person? Is this person available and able? Is this person willing? And is this person related to or married to someone who can negatively impact this person’s ability to raise your child?
Choose carefully and thoughtfully.
YIM & YEMPUKA LAW FIRM
2054 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96826
808-524-0251 | yimandyempukulaw.com
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