We often hear our parents tell their friends or relatives, “If I pass away, I’ve already told my sister to take care of my son.” But do we really understand what guardianship means, the role it plays, and what factors we need to consider when appointing a guardian for our children?
First, let me explain the concept of guardianship. Guardianship is a legal term that plays a vital role in ensuring the welfare and protection of children under 18 who cannot manage their own affairs. In Malaysia, it is governed by the Guardianship of Infants Act 1961.
There are a few types of guardianship in Malaysia:
Natural Guardians
Section 5 of the Act states that parents are the natural guardians of their children. If both parents are alive and competent, they share equal rights and responsibilities as guardians. So, if you pass away, your spouse will automatically become the guardian of your children.
Testamentary Guardians
Section 7 of the Act allows parents to appoint testamentary guardians in their will. This means that if both you and your spouse pass away or are unable to fulfill your duties as guardians, the court will appoint a testamentary guardian as long as you have appointed one in your will. Your children’s care will remain in the hands of individuals you trust.
Court-Appointed Guardians
If there is no testamentary guardian in your will, or if the appointed guardian fails to fulfill their duties, Section 8A of the Act empowers the court to appoint a guardian. The court will always prioritize your child’s best interests in its decision-making.
Now, let’s look at what you should consider when appointing a guardian for your children in case both of you pass away:
Care and Stability
Can the person you choose provide the necessary care and stability for your children? The guardian must act in the best interest of your children, as they need emotional and psychological care. Choose someone you trust who will not neglect your children’s well-being.
Financial Stability
Do you have enough financial resources to support your children’s living expenses if both of you pass away? You need to think long-term about whether you have enough financial support to cover your children’s education and other needs. Don’t rely solely on family members to shoulder this responsibility as it may become a financial burden on them.
Medical healthcare
What happens if your children fall sick? You need to ensure you have enough funds to cover their medical expenses. This is a very important consideration when appointing a guardian.
This is why we always encourage families to set up a testamentary trust for their children to cover monthly living expenses, medical costs, and education fees. A trust ensures that there is enough cash flow to sustain your children’s life if you are no longer around.
For further details, you may make an appointment with our legal advisor here:
https://calendly.com/finex-and-co-legacy-advisory/tea-talk-with-legal-expert
为你的孩子选监护人：你应该知道的东西
我们常常听到父母跟朋友或者亲戚说：“如果我不在了，我已经讲好我姐姐会帮我照顾孩子。”可是，你有没有真正想过，什么是监护人？监护人是做什么的？还有，选监护人时要注意什么？
首先，讲一下什么是监护权。简单来说，监护权是法律上给孩子一个保障，特别是那些还没满18岁、不能自己处理事情的孩子。在马来西亚，监护权是由《1961年儿童监护法令》（Guardianship of Infants Act 1961）管理的。
在这里，监护权大概分成几种：
自然监护人
根据法令第5条，父母是孩子的自然监护人。如果父母两个人都还在，而且可以照顾孩子，大家的权利是一样的。所以，如果你先走了，你的配偶就会自动成为孩子的监护人。
遗嘱监护人
根据法令第7条，父母可以在遗嘱里面写好谁要做孩子的监护人。意思就是说，如果你和你的配偶都不在了，或者没办法照顾孩子，只要你有在遗嘱里面安排好，法院就会任命你选的人来照顾你的孩子。这样，孩子就会交到你信得过的人手上。
法院指定的监护人
如果你没有在遗嘱里安排遗嘱监护人，或者你选的监护人没办法履行职责，根据法令第8A条，法院会指定一个监护人。法院会以孩子的利益为最重要的考量，来选适合的人。
接下来，讲讲如果你和配偶都不在了，你选监护人时要注意什么：
照顾和稳定
你选的那个人能不能给你的孩子稳定的生活和足够的关怀？监护人一定要把孩子的利益放在第一位，特别是在情感和心理上。所以一定要选一个你信任的人，确保他们真的会好好照顾你的孩子。
经济状况
如果你们夫妻都不在了，你有没有留足够的钱让孩子用？要想长远一点，确保孩子的教育费、生活费都有安排好。不要完全依靠家人帮忙，毕竟这可能会成为他们的经济负担。
医疗保障
如果孩子生病了怎么办？你需要确保有足够的钱给他们看医生。这也是选监护人时要考虑的一个重点。
所以，我们一直鼓励父母为孩子设立遗嘱信托基金，用来支付生活费、医疗费和教育费。信托基金可以保证，就算你不在了，孩子的生活还是有足够的资金支持。
