Cobb County Parents! Before You Fill Out Your Child's Emergency Card This Year . . .
DID YOU KNOW…
That if you were to pass away or become incapacitated while your child is at school, the authorities may not release your kids to those you listed on the school emergency card?
Why?
Because by law, the authorities can only leave your kids with their “legal guardian” or surviving parent if something happens to you.
If the surviving parent is unavailable or something happens to you both during school hours, your child will may possibly be placed into the care of social services until a judge (who doesn't know you or your wishes!) should decide where they should go.
That is NOT a position you want to put your kids in—especially during a time of grief!
Fortunately, putting a plan in place to make sure your kids are protected if something happens to you is EASY!
Here's a brief checklist to help you “get your ducks in a row” before the school year starts:
- Have I legally documented short and long-term guardians to care for my kids if something happens to me and/or my spouse during school hours?
- Do the people I listed on my child's school emergency card match those I've legally named as guardians? (If not, your emergency contacts will only have permission to pick your kids up if they are sick – not care for them if something happens to you).
- Have I provided my chosen guardians with the documentation they need and instructions on what to do if called upon in an emergency situation?
- Have I prepped the babysitter who watches my child either before school or after school on what to do if something happens to me so child services are not called in?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, now is the perfect time to get a plan in place before the hustle and bustle of school season starts!
Just call me, Cobb County family lawyer, Steve Worrall. As a dad and a lawyer I am passionate about ensuring young families protect their children. Call 770-425-6060 and ask to schedule a Georgia Family Treasures Planning Session at no charge (up to $600 value) and get $100 off a Will based plan or $250 off your Trust based plan (see our 3 levels of planning packages here) with the mention of this “Back to School” Article.
Together we'll legally document your choice of guardians and create a plan that ensures your kids are cared for by the people YOU want, in the way you want, if the unthinkable happens.
