First, allow me to explain the concept of guardianship. Guardianship is a legal concept that plays a vital role in ensuring the welfare and protection of children below 18 and who are unable to manage their own affairs in Malaysia. It is governed by the Guardianship of Infants Act 1961.
Next, let us study the Types of Guardianship in Malaysia:-
Natural Guardians
Section 5 of the Act states that parents are the natural guardians of their children. In cases where both parents are alive and competent, they share equal rights and responsibilities as guardians.
Testamentary Guardians
Section 7 of the Act allows parents to appoint testamentary guardians for their children through a valid will. This provision ensures that if both parents pass away or are unable to fulfill their guardianship duties, the child’s care remains entrusted to individuals chosen by the parents themselves.
Court-Appointed Guardians
Section 8A of the Act empowers the court to appoint guardians if circumstances warrant such action. The court’s paramount concern in these cases is the best interests of the child. Court-appointed guardians are tasked with making decisions that prioritize the child’s welfare and safety.
My Response
Considering the Act, appointing your brother as your child’s legal guardian does not exclude the father from his parental rights. Both parents share equal guardianship responsibilities. However, in your will, you can appoint both your brother and your ex-husband as joint guardians for your children. This prevents misuse of inheritance and ensures that major decisions require agreement between both guardians, thereby safeguarding your children’s welfare.
Provide Guardian Allowance for Your Brother
When appointing a guardian, especially if it’s your brother, it’s advisable to include a guardian allowance in your will. Caring for your own children is challenging enough and taking on the responsibility for someone else’s child demands even more patience and sacrifice. Providing an allowance not only eases this burden but also acknowledges and supports your brother’s commitment to caring for your children.
Conclusion
Appointing a guardian for your young children and explicitly stating this in your will is crucial. As a parent, you have the opportunity to select a guardian who prioritizes your children’s well-being. It’s also essential to allocate financial support in your will to assist the guardian in effectively fulfilling their responsibilities.
You may make an appointment with our legal advisor here:
https://calendly.com/finex-and-co-legacy-advisory/tea-talk-with-legal-expert
我是一位单身妈妈。我目前独自抚养着我的5岁孩子，前夫只有周末的探视权力。如果我不幸去世的话，我能否委任我的哥哥作为孩子的监护人？
首先，让我解释一下监护人的概念。监护人是为了保障未满18岁的和无法自理的儿童的福利。它是属于Guardianship of Infants Act 1961的管辖。
让我们来看看马来西亚的监护人到底有几种类型：
自然监护人
Guardianship of Infants Act 1961的第5条文规定，父母是孩子的自然监护人。在双方都健在的情况下，他们所拥有的监护权和责任是平等的。
遗嘱监护人
根据第7条文规定，父母可以通过遗嘱来委任孩子的监护人。这样是为了确保如果双方都不幸一起去世的情况下，孩子仍然可以让父母所委任的监护人来照顾。
法庭指定监护人
根据第8A条文规定，法庭是有权力来委任监护人。法院会优先考虑孩子的最佳利益。作为法庭所委任的监护人，他们的负责将需要优先考虑孩子福利和安全。
我的回答
如果你委任你的哥哥作为孩子的监护人其实并不完全排除掉你另一半的监护权。因为刚刚我们有讨论到夫妻之间是共同承担监护责任。然而，在你的遗嘱中，你可以同时任命你的哥哥和前夫为孩子的联合监护人。这样可以防止你的遗产被你的前夫滥用，而且能确保在为孩子做任何决定之前，是需要经过两位监护人的共同同意，这样能保障你孩子的利益。
提供监护人津贴
如果你委任你的哥哥作为孩子的监护人时，我建议你可以在你的遗嘱中包括监护人的津贴。因为照顾自己的孩子已经足够具有挑战性了，而承担起照顾别人孩子的责任则需要更多的耐心和牺牲。
