Are Your Kids Really Protected? The 10 Mistakes Parents Miss
A clear guide to choosing the right guardians so your kids stay safe no matter what happens.
You hear the question all the time:
What would happen to your kids if something happened to you?
Most parents brush it off, but life does not always give advance warning. That is why asking the hard questions now matters.
Picture the moments no one wants to think about. A sudden medical emergency. A late night car accident. An unexpected hospitalization. In those moments, your kids need someone who can step in right away. Someone you chose. Someone you trust.
But here is the truth many parents discover too late. Naming a guardian in your will is not enough. Florida law has specific requirements, and without the right documents, your kids could still end up with strangers even if only for a few hours.
Here are the mistakes that create those gaps, and how to fix them.
“We already listed guardians in our will, so we’re covered.”
Mistake #1: Believing a Will Covers Every Situation
A will only works after you pass away. It does nothing if you are alive but unable to respond. If police or EMS arrive and you have no legal documents naming who can take your kids right away, the state follows protocol. That is how children end up with temporary strangers even when loving family members are right down the road.
“My sister will take them if something happens. She’ll figure it out.”
Mistake #2: Planning Only for Long Term Care
Long term guardians are important, but the first few hours matter just as much. Without named
short term guardians, authorities cannot release your kids to someone you simply “assumed” would step in. Kids may have to wait until a judge gets involved.
“My family knows who I want. They’d work it out.”
Mistake #3: Not Naming a Guardian at All
When nothing is documented under Florida law, the court decides. A judge who has never met your children will choose who raises them. The outcome might be fine, or it might be the complete opposite of what you wanted.
“We picked one couple. They’ll always be available.”
Mistake #4: Forgetting to Add Backup Guardians
Life changes fast. People move. People get sick. People go through things. Naming backups ensures there is always a clear, legally valid path for your kids no matter what life throws at your first choice.
“They make good money, so they’re the obvious choice.”
Mistake #5: Choosing Guardians Based on Finances Only
A stable income matters, but it is not everything. Kids need emotional safety, shared values, and someone who understands how you want them raised. If money is a concern, you can name someone else to manage the funds through a trust while another person handles daily care.
“If someone needs to make medical decisions, they’ll just do it.”
Mistake #7: Forgetting About Medical and Financial Decisions
Guardians need legal authority to make choices about healthcare, education, and finances. Without the proper documents, even the person you trust most may be unable to act in an emergency.
“They know us well. They’ll know how to raise the kids.”
Mistake #8: Not Sharing Wishes Clearly
People mean well, but they are not mind readers. Your routines, values, priorities, and hopes should all be written down. It gives your guardian guidance that reflects the way you raise your kids today.
“We set this up years ago. It should still be fine.”
Mistake #9: Letting the Plan Grow Outdated
Kids grow. Families evolve. Guardians move or change life paths. A plan from years ago may no longer fit your reality. The strongest plans get reviewed and updated regularly so they stay aligned with your family
“They’re a solid couple. They’ll always be together.”
Mistake #10: Naming a Couple Without a Contingency Plan
Relationships sometimes change. If the couple you chose separates, who becomes the guardian? Without instructions from you, the court decides. A simple note in your plan prevents conflict, confusion, and stress during an already hard time.
A Safer Approach: The Kids Protection Plan
A Kids Protection Plan® closes every gap that traditional plans leave open. It protects your children in both the immediate moment and the long term.
Here is what families love about it:
- You get documents that prevent your children from being placed with strangers.
- You get clear instructions for emergency responders and caregivers.
- You get short term and long term guardians with legal authority to act.
- You get medical and financial decision documents so nothing stalls.
- You get a written guide of your routines, hopes, values, and parenting preferences.
Parents often feel real relief once this is in place.
Ready to Protect Your Kids the Right Way?
Your children deserve a safety plan that actually works. Not one built on assumptions. Not one with gaps. A real plan that covers every scenario.
If you want help creating your Kids Protection Plan or want answers to your questions, we make it simple to get started.
🗓️ Book a 15 minute call with April, our Client Services Director.
She will walk you through your options and help you feel confident about your next step.
