When you are making a last will and testament while facing a critical illness, every decision you make can seem especially important. A wills and trusts attorney can guide you through each step to ensure that you are making optimal decisions to benefit the people you love the most. The well-being of children will probably weigh on your heart, and a well-made will can ensure they never go without what their material needs.

Reassure Them of Your Loving Choices

Although your child will probably not be interested in any details of your will at all, it is important to talk to them about why you made the choices that you did. The will may have an impact on their lifestyle for the rest of their life. Whether you chose to leave your estate to charity or put every single possession in your child's name, they should hear about your choices from you. Discuss your love for them and how that informed the decisions of your last will and testament.

Give Them Any Instructions They Need

If your child is in or nearing their teenage years, they may want to take some responsibility when it comes to your will. Let them know what you and your wills and trusts attorney discussed when it comes to ensuring that your wishes are honored with the will, and let your child know any specific actions they need to take when it comes to your will. Let them know whether you want them to attend the reading of the will, and talk to them about who you think they should and shouldn't trust.

Talk About Custody Arrangements

Depending on your specific circumstances and the laws of where you live, you may be able to name a guardian in your will. It is a recommendation for the court, but it is often honored and given high priority. If you are assured that the custody wishes that you establish in your will are to come to fruition, discuss them with your child. Talk about who they will be living with and what their new life will be life.

Be sure to get promises from the new guardian about the lifestyle before discussing it with your child. The guardian will be responsible for the health, education, physical care, and well-being of the child until they reach the age of 18, and It should be someone who already has a connection with your child when possible. When you speak to your child about the arrangement, they will be comforted if they will be cared for by someone they already love.

Finally, when making the will, let your wills and trusts attorney, such as Donald B Linsky & Associate Pa, know that the child is the priority, and the will should be designed in such a fail-proof way to make sure they are protected no matter how much circumstances among the adult relatives change. That way, when you speak to the child about the will, you can do so with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have done all you could to protect the best interests of your child.