Parental Nomination of Guardian Template

What Is the Parental Nomination of Guardian?

A parental nomination of guardian is a legal document where you formally designate who should care for your minor children if you die or become incapacitated. Unlike guardian provisions in a will, this standalone document can be presented to a court immediately without waiting for probate. Courts give substantial weight to these nominations when making guardianship decisions.

This template addresses the scenarios most parents worry about. It covers sole parent situations, joint nominations with your spouse or partner, and the complicated case where you're not coordinating with your child's other parent. You'll nominate primary and alternate guardians, provide guidance on how you want your children raised, and address financial arrangements for their care.

 

Is This Parental Nomination of Guardian Right for You?

You need this agreement if you're:

• A parent of minor children who wants guardianship settled quickly
• Concerned about who would raise your kids if you died suddenly
• Seeking an alternative to including guardianship in your will alone
• A single parent who needs clear documentation of your wishes
• Co-parenting with someone and want joint guardian nominations
• Wanting to exclude specific people from ever becoming guardians

You definitely need this agreement if:

• You've never formally documented who should raise your children
• Your kids' other parent is deceased, absent, or unfit
• You want courts to have immediate access to your wishes
• Family members disagree about who should get custody
• You're in the military or face extended absences from your children

 

 

Why Thousands Trust Legal GPS Templates

Save Money. Attorney-drafted guardian nominations cost $500-1,500. Our template costs $35.

Save Time. Download immediately and complete in under an hour with our step-by-step guidance.

Look Professional. Courts recognize proper legal formatting that demonstrates your serious intent and sound judgment.

Keeps You Out of Court. The Parenting Philosophy and Guidance article prevents disputes by documenting your wishes on religion, education, and healthcare before conflicts arise.

 

 

Get Protected in 3 Simple Steps

Step 1: Secure Checkout

Complete your purchase through our encrypted payment system. Receive instant access to your template download.

Step 2: Instant Download

Download your template immediately in Microsoft Word format. Compatible with Word, Google Docs, and other document editors.

Step 3: Fill In the Highlighted Fields

Follow our detailed how-to guide to complete the highlighted sections. Print, sign with witnesses, and store with your estate planning documents.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this template multiple times?

Yes. Once you purchase the template, you can use it multiple times and update it as your circumstances change. Most parents should review and update their guardian nomination every two to three years or after major life events.

Is this contract legally binding?

This nomination is legally valid and courts give it substantial weight when making guardianship decisions. However, it's advisory rather than absolutely binding because courts must always consider the child's best interests. In practice, judges follow clear, properly executed nominations unless there's evidence the nominated guardian is unfit.

Do I need this if I already have a will that names a guardian?

Yes. A standalone nomination offers several advantages over will-based provisions. It's available immediately without waiting for probate, it remains private rather than becoming public record, and you can update it easily without redrafting your entire will. The two documents work together, not as replacements.

What if my child's other parent is still alive?

If the other biological parent has legal rights and is alive, they will almost always get custody first unless they're proven unfit or agree to your nomination. This template includes specific provisions for that scenario. Your nomination becomes important if the other parent is deceased, has lost parental rights, is deemed unfit, or consents to your choice.

Do I need to have this document notarized?

Notarization isn't legally required in most states but it strengthens the document's credibility. The template includes optional notarization language. At minimum, you should sign in front of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries or nominees.

Can I exclude certain people from becoming guardians?

Yes. The template includes a Guardian Disqualifications article where you can explicitly exclude specific individuals and state your reasons. This is particularly important if you have concerns about an ex-partner, family member with substance issues, or anyone else you want to prevent from gaining custody.