As I sat in the passenger seat of our family car, I found myself reflecting back on the past 15 years or so. Why? I have been teaching my son to drive since he received his learner’s permit in October. Where has the past few years gone? How did he get to be so tall? Maybe he does know more than me? Beside me, now sits this amazing young adult – with a lead foot! While teaching the rules of the road has provided moments of frustration, for both of us, it is the start of certain freedoms in my young son’s life.
First comes the driver’s license, then the voter’s registration and being legally deemed an adult, then, for some, it will soon be off to college. As our children get older and become independent, we cannot lose sight of one important item-they do not become adults until 18. If something were to happen to my son’s father or me, as a minor, he would become a ward of the state. It is easy for us to remember that our children need a guardian when they are much younger, but it may not be as prevalent when they are teenagers and less dependent on us. I think we often forget that even at 16, they are technically minors, regardless of how independent they are and how well they drive.
I am thankful that I have plans in place just in case something unexpected were to happen. My estate plan lists who would become his guardian, someone I trust and have pre-approved (so to speak), avoiding the state and courts deciding such sensitive and important matters. Provisions are also included for him financially, so his dreams of attending college can still be realized. Don’t take the risk of assuming that nothing is going to happen to you. Plan while you are able for all of the things that you are not expecting.
About Morris Hall:
At Morris Hall, we have focused our legal practice on estate planning for over 40 years. Along with estate planning, our attorneys help clients and their families with matters of probate, trust administration, wills, power of attorneys, business planning, succession planning, legacy planning, charitable gifting and other important legal aspects. We also have divisions in financial, real estate and accounting to help you incorporate all of your planning together, ensuring that everything works perfectly for your needs and situation. Our Arizona offices are located in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Tucson, Prescott, Flagstaff and Arrowhead. Contact us today at 888.222.1328 to schedule an appointment!
This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney in your community who can assess the specifics of your situation.
In fact, estate planning, asset preservation and probate law have been our only areas of practice. We are proud to have helped thousands of individuals of all levels of wealth and assets, people concerned about protecting their families from the devastating legal and financial effects of disability and death.
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