For My Children

Inheritance Money: Protecting Your Children from Themselves

Estate Planning is an opportunity to provide security for your family’s future in a way that is unique to you and your children. For some parents, the priority might be to protect their children from themselves. Some examples are:

  • securing a stable future for kids that do not use sound financial judgment,
  • preventing a child with addiction issues access to a large sum of money that could be used to feed harmful habits,
  • providing special care for children dealing with mental illness, or
  • naming guardians for your minor children.

All of these decisions can be addressed by thoughtful Estate Planning.

Related Article: Learn About Estate Planning Options

Below is a table sharing some of the most common concerns clients share with us regarding protecting their children's inheritance from themselves and the ways in which a thoughtful Estate Plan can address these concerns.

How A Thoughtful Estate Plan Can Protect Your Children From Themselves

Concerns

Wishes

Minor children and Young Adults

  • Name Guardians
  • Maintain current lifestyle (private school, sports, music lessons, etc.)
  • Provide for future education plans
  • Direct a “gatekeeper” to manage funds to ensure responsible spending
  • Implement gradual transition of control over inheritance

Spendthrift

  • Protect the inheritance from possible creditor or judgment issues
  • Secure a healthy financial future
  • Appoint a trusted 3rd party for money management

Substance abuse and addiction

  • Control access to inheritance
  • Support basic needs and rehabilitation without risk of harm
  • Protect from negative influences (money can often attract many “friends”)
  • Provide a stable future

Estate Planning is often giving your family member what they need and not what they want. You will be able to name Guardians for your minor children, have a Trustee manage distributions from a Trust, protect inheritances from creditors and predators, and secure a financially sound future. Proper Estate Planning can be a beneficial tool used to manage all of your concerns regarding your family’s future.

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