Who would raise your children if something happened to you?
It’s a question no parent wants to think about—but every parent should.
Because 1 in 29 children will lose a parent before they turn 18.
And by age 25, that number jumps to 1 in 18.
In nearly every classroom, every youth group, and every sports team, there’s a child living through what the rest of us hope we never face. That’s not fear-mongering—it’s a call to prepare.
From “Default” to Deliberate: Our Guardianship Journey
We wrote our first will when Beth was pregnant. Like many parents, we named family members as guardians—because that’s just what you do, right?
But we didn’t even know our daughter yet. We hadn’t become parents. We hadn’t grown into the people we are now.
Six years later, we moved from Hawaii to Arkansas. Over time, we became deeply rooted in a vibrant church and homeschool community.
We knew our old will was outdated—not just legally, but in spirit. It no longer reflected our current life, our values, or the hopes we held for her future.
But even knowing that, we still put off making a new plan. For at least two years, we avoided the decision—mostly because we weren’t sure who to name.
It felt too big, too heavy, and honestly, too uncertain.
Eventually, though, we realized we couldn’t keep putting it off. We needed to name someone who was nearby—someone who shared our approach to parenting, faith, health, and education.
Not just someone related by blood—but someone who already loved our daughter like their own.
That’s when we began the search for what we now call a Guardianship Angel.
What Is a Guardianship Angel?
A guardian is a legal designation. But a “Guardianship Angel” is so much more.
They are the person (or people) you choose—intentionally and prayerfully—to raise your child if the unthinkable happens.
They’re not chosen out of obligation.
They’re chosen out of alignment.
They may not share your last name, but they share your values.
They may not be your oldest friend, but they already love your child like family.
A Guardianship Angel is someone you know in your heart would honor your legacy and cherish your child—not just care for them.
The Hardest—and Most Beautiful—Conversation
We were nervous to ask. Would anyone really agree to raise our daughter if something happened? Would they see it as a burden?
We spent hours talking, praying, and thinking it through. And when we finally approached a few close friends, their responses moved us deeply.
None of them said yes on the spot—because it was a big ask. Two of the three families wanted to take time to talk and pray about it together, and our primary choice took a full week to decide. Honestly, it was the longest week of our lives.
But when they did say yes, it wasn’t reluctant—it was wholehearted.
They even called it an honor to be asked.
One couple—our primary guardian choice—asked to sit down with us to talk through our wishes, parenting philosophy, and hopes for the future. That conversation became the foundation for something we now offer to other families: a “Note to Our Guardianship Angels.”
This simple document outlined:
- Our vision for our daughter’s future
- Our beliefs about education, health, money, and faith
- Important medical info and key contacts
- Our approach to technology, screen time, and character
- How to stay connected with extended family
It was emotional, but it brought a deep sense of peace.
We chose three families: one primary and two backups. Each one said yes.
What We Looked For in a Guardian
When it came time to decide, here’s what mattered most to us:
- That our daughter could stay in the community she knows and loves
- That she would be surrounded by “siblings” she already adored
- That she would be raised in our church and homeschool community
- That she would continue her education in the classical model
- That our values around faith, health, and personal growth would be honored
- And most of all—that she would be deeply loved
The families we chose weren’t perfect. Neither are we.
But they are full of love. Full of integrity. And already woven into her life.
That’s what made them Guardianship Angels.
Why a Trust Was the Missing Piece
As we finalized our guardianship choices, we came to a powerful realization:
A will alone wasn’t enough.
If something happened to us, a will would pass all of our assets directly to our daughter’s guardian—with no instructions and no safeguards.
We trusted our chosen guardian—but even they said they didn’t want to handle the financial side of things. They wanted to focus on parenting, not money.
That’s when we created a revocable living trust.
We named a trusted friend and colleague as our trustee and carefully documented how and when money should be used:
- For her education
- For healthcare or special opportunities
- For milestones like a wedding or buying a home
- And when she’d receive the full inheritance
In a trust, you can outline exactly how your legacy is handled—not just who gets what, but when, how, and why.
It gave us peace. And it gave our Guardianship Angels clarity.
And with 1 in 18 young adults losing a parent by age 25, setting up a trust means they won’t be handed a lump sum before they’re ready—or left vulnerable to manipulation or mismanagement.
You Can Do This—And We Can Help
Most parents avoid this conversation because it feels too hard, too heavy, or too uncertain.
But we promise—once you start the process, you’ll feel a massive weight lift off your shoulders.
As part of our Family Peace of Mind Plan, we help walk you through:
- How to choose the right guardian
- What to ask them—and how to approach the conversation
- What to document to make their role easier
- How to separate guardianship and finances wisely
- How to set up a trust that protects your child long after you’re gone
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to take the next step.
Ready to Name your Guardianship Angel?
Whether you landed here from a friend, an email, or by accident—this topic found you for a reason.
Choosing a Guardianship Angel is one of the most loving things you can do for your child—but it’s just the first step.
If you’re wondering how to protect them legally, financially, and emotionally, we walk through all of it in our free “Protecting Your Family: Why a Will Isn’t Enough” Masterclass.
You’ll learn what most families miss—and how to avoid the biggest mistakes people make when planning for their children’s future.
Click here for instant access to the Free Masterclass.
You’re doing something powerful by thinking ahead. And your family is worth it.
