BBC 2's new series has businessman Gerry Robinson looking at the dilemmas that many couples face in coming up with Wills that reflect their wishes and at the same time "do the right thing" to provide for their families.
The latest episode saw entrepreneur, Gerry Robinson, considering the dilemma of two couples about their choice of guardian if they should both die whilst their children are under the age of 18. One couple had very different ideas of how they wanted their children brought up. The wife wanted her mother to be the guardian because she would provide a loving secure environment. The husband wanted his parents to be guardians because they would instil a sense of adventure in the children. The other couple had children from different relationships but wanted both children to be brought up together with new husband if the wife died rather than separately by the children's fathers.
These are very common problems which need careful consideration if the problems are to be solved successfully and in the best interests of the children.
Often it is best to talk to the potential guardians. If the choice is one set of grandparents, would they involve the other set of grandparents in matters relating to the care and/or education of the children? Why not talk to the children if they are old enough? Who would they like to bring them up? What are their ideas for their future?
Once the difficult decision has been made regarding the choice of guardians, consider leaving a letter of directions for the guardians. Why not explain what sort of education you would like for them, your hopes for their future, any special wishes you may have for their religious education and any special requirements the children may have?
At rhw we are able to advise on all aspects relating to the appointment of guardians whether in your Will or other document. Our Will specialists, Clive Barnard and Caroline Sturge would be pleased to hear from you on these issues.
Should you have family issues or have children from different relationships and need advice on your options talk to our Will experts or if there are ongoing family issues which need to be addressed speak to our Family Law experts Samantha Jago and Julian McEvoy who will be able to advise on your rights and obligations and any agreements which maybe needed in the resolution of custody and guardianship issues.
Samantha Jago is past vice president of the Surrey Law Society and a Resolution accredited Family Law specialist. In her spare time she also lectures on law.
Julian has recently merged his niche Family practice, Delano McEvoy with rhw and this has coincided with Julian taking on the mantle of the Chair of Surrey Resolution. Resolution is one of the foremost legal organisations involved with Family Law (www.resolution.org). We are delighted to have Julian join our Family Team.
If you would like us to prepare a will for you, please complete our will questionnaire online.
Our team at rhw consist of:-
Clive Barnard Partner 01483 540539
Caroline Sturge Solicitor 01483 540554