What parents often need a will to address
Named guardians and substitutes
We help you appoint people who could realistically take on the role if needed.
Clearer legal understanding
The will's role is explained alongside parental responsibility and when it matters.
Support for children planned well
Financial provision can be coordinated separately from day to day care arrangements.
Appointing guardians with care
If you are a parent, one of the hardest questions is who would look after your children if you were no longer here. A guardianship will allows you to appoint guardians for children under 18 where there is no surviving person with parental responsibility able to act. We help you think carefully about who could take on that role, whether substitute guardians are needed and what practical responsibilities the appointment may involve. With Virgo Wills and Estate Planning Limited, the discussion is handled clearly and calmly so the decision reflects the child's day to day needs as well as your wider wishes.
Separating care from money management
Guardianship is only one part of the picture. We also explain when an appointment takes effect, how it interacts with parental responsibility and why the guardian's caring role is separate from a trustee's role in managing money. That distinction matters if a child may inherit assets or if you want support to be released at a later age. When you review the options with Virgo Wills and Estate Planning Limited, we can help coordinate guardianship, trusts and financial provision into one clearer structure.
Frequently asked questions
How should I choose guardians for my children?
Choose people who could realistically take on the day to day care of your children and who understand the responsibility involved. We also discuss substitute guardians, because a good appointment needs to work even if the first choice cannot act when needed.
Is a guardian the same as a trustee?
No. Guardians look after the child. Trustees manage money or property left for the child's benefit. Sometimes the same people hold both roles, but they do not have to. We explain the difference so care arrangements and financial arrangements are both thought through.
When does a guardianship appointment take effect?
A guardianship appointment takes effect in the circumstances set by law, including there being no surviving person with parental responsibility able to act. We explain how that works so you understand the role of the will within the wider legal position.