On average in the United Kingdom, a child loses a parent once every 30 minutes.  In addition to having to deal with the loss of the parent or parents the child is also faced with other losses, brought about by the change in circumstances. They may find that he or she is faced with moving house or changing school, with the resultant loss of friends and familiar surroundings.

Whilst it is not possible to protect children entirely from these losses, it is possible to take steps to ensure that the devastation caused by the death of a parent is not compounded by legal and financial complications and uncertainty about the child’s future care.

Although it can be upsetting to consider what would happen to your child after your death, to make plans for his or her future security is an act of caring that we are sure any parent would want to ensure

What happens to children on the death of a parent?

This depends on your particular circumstances and the plans that you have put in place. If there is no surviving parent with parental responsibility, and no appointment of a guardian has been made, then the child becomes the responsibility of the Court. Until such time as the Court appoints a guardian, the child may be taken into care. In contrast, if a guardian has been appointed, then responsibility for the child’s care passes on the second parent’s death to that guardian, subject to court approval.

For many the prime purpose of a will is to ensure adequate provision for children and other dependants. We can establish as part of your will, trusts for Children, Disabled people, Pets and other forms of discretionary trusts. These can be set-up in such a way that you can define when the children will be able to access the money within the trust fund. With discretionary trusts absolute discretion as to when assets are given out and to whom lies with the trustees.

We can also include nominated guardians for your children within your will. If you have children under the age of 18 you should appoint a guardian or guardians. They could be appointed to act on your death or only once you and your partner have both passed away.

To see how we can help ensure your children get the guardians you would wish and establish a child trust fund, why not have our consultant come and visit you in the comfort of your home for a free consultation.

To arrange your free consultation please call on