Guardianship Planning for Resilient Families

Executive summary

Guardianship is the most overlooked element of family resilience. Without documented choices, courts decide for you — sometimes badly.

• Primary + backup guardian named in will
• Conservator named separately from guardian
• Discussion with both before naming

Key takeaways

• Primary + backup guardian named in will
• Conservator named separately from guardian
• Discussion with both before naming
• Trustee for assets distinct from guardian

Key strategies

1. Strategy 1

   Primary + backup guardian named in will

2. Strategy 2

   Conservator named separately from guardian

3. Strategy 3

   Discussion with both before naming

4. Strategy 4

   Trustee for assets distinct from guardian

Pro-tips checklist

• Revisit every 5 years
• Include geographic and value-alignment criteria

FAQ