Back to School = Back to Basics: Is Your Family Legally Protected?

The start of a new school year brings fresh routines, new goals, and endless to-do lists. Between school supplies, after-school activities, and adjusting schedules, it’s easy to forget one important back-to-school item that doesn’t come in a backpack: your family’s legal protection.

If you have young children, your estate plan is more than just a way to distribute assets – it’s a roadmap for their care, security, and stability if something unexpected happens. And if you already have a plan, back-to-school season is the perfect reminder to make sure it still meets your family’s needs.

Questions Every Parent Should Ask This School Year

✅ Have you named a legal guardian for your children?
Without a guardian designation, a court may decide who raises your children if something happens to you.

✅ Do your kids have trusted adults who can access funds if needed?
Setting up a trust or designating a trusted person ensures your children’s needs are met without unnecessary delays.

✅ Are your emergency contacts up to date?
School forms aren’t the only place where contact information matters—your estate documents should also list who can step in right away.

✅ Has your family grown or changed since you last updated your plan?
A new baby, divorce, or remarriage are all reasons to revisit your estate plan.

 

Back-to-School Estate Planning Checklist

✏️ Update guardianship designations
🖍️ Review or set up a will and/or trust
📓 Ensure powers of attorney and healthcare directives are current
🚌 Share your plan with trusted family members
📮 Store documents in a safe, accessible place

Why Now Is the Right Time

The start of the school year is about preparation and peace of mind. Just like buying school supplies and setting schedules, reviewing your estate plan ensures your children are protected no matter what life brings. Checking this off your list today means you can focus on your family’s growth, education, and future with confidence.

FAQs About Protecting Your Family With an Estate Plan

1. What happens if I don’t name a guardian for my children?
   If you don’t name a guardian, the court will appoint someone to raise your children. This may not align with your wishes, which is why it’s essential to designate a trusted person in your estate plan.
2. Should I name a backup guardian?
   Yes. Naming an alternate guardian ensures your children are cared for even if your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve.
3. How often should I update my estate plan?
   Review your plan every few years, or anytime you experience a major life change such as a birth, divorce, remarriage, or relocation.
4. Who should have access to my estate planning documents?
   At minimum, your named guardians, trustees, or powers of attorney should know where to find your documents in an emergency.
5. Do I need both a will and a trust to protect my family?
   Not always. A will is the foundation of most estate plans, but many families also use a trust to avoid probate and provide faster access to funds for children. An estate planning attorney can help you decide what’s best for your situation.

Learn More About How Parents Can Protect Their Minor Children

• Talk To An Oak Brook Estate Planning Lawyer about naming a guardian for children
• Why It Is a Good Idea to Prepare or Update a Will so parents can protect their minor children
• Ask About Illinois Trust and Estate Planning for families considering trusts for financial security
• Get a Power of Attorney and Healthcare Directives for medical and financial decision-making authority
• Learn About Probate in Illinois  and why avoiding probate benefits families

👉 Let us help you make sure your family is legally protected this school year. Contact Estate & Probate Legal Group in Oak Brook, IL, to schedule a consultation.

We serve clients throughout Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will counties and can help you manage the probate process with confidence.

 Call us at (630) 864-5835
 Schedule a consultation