| A.
|
|
Selecting the
Guardian |
|
|
How do the child
and proposed guardian (and guardian's children) get
along)? (May be appropriate to ask the child). |
|
|
Characteristics:
Age, health, education, religion, lifestyle, moral values,
emotional stability, financial security, stability of
marriage, views on discipline. |
| B.
|
|
Compensation the
Guardian |
|
|
Will there be a
disparity in financial resources? consider provision to
equalize with guardian's children to avoid resentment:
Private school, automobile, vacation, camps, gifts. |
|
|
Where will child
live? Guardian's home or your home? Compensate
guardian for room addition, utilities, mortgage, repairs,
household help? Will child have to move to a new
neighborhood and new school? |
|
|
Will guardian be
compensated? How much? |
| C.
|
|
Consult with
Guardian. |
|
|
Are they willing to
serve? If you anticipate a contest, would they be willing
to go to court and fight for custody? Who will pay their
attorney's fees and costs if they lose? |
| D.
|
|
Multiple
children. |
|
|
Will the guardian
be willing to raise several children? How many? Would
children need to be split up? |
| E.
|
|
Alternative
guardians. |
|
|
If guardians get
divorced, become disabled or die, which one continues as
guardian? single parent acceptable? Designate alternate
guardian under what circumstances? |
| F.
|
|
Child's Selection. |
|
|
Under Hawaii law a
child aged 13 can select his own guardian subject to court
approval. |
| G.
|
|
Court
has final say. |
|
|
Hawaii law provides
that a guardian nominated in a Will has priority but
appointment is subject to court determination of
"best interests" of child. If you anticipate a contest then refer in Will to separate Affidavit and spell
out your reasons for your selection in detail on the
Affidavit. |
