Question:
My daughter is six years old. She is my life and I don't want to leave her.

Has anyone ever willed their child to someone other than the other parent before surgery? Is it possible to do?    — brokenangel (posted on August 6, 2003)

August 6, 2003
Hi, even before I thought about surgery, my husband and I sat down with our Lawyer and set up a will with a guardian for my daughter. Yes, it is very easy and very affordable. There are a few ways to do this. It can be down by setting up a guardian through a will or through a revocable trust. I think it is a good idea because it gives you piece of mind ! All the best to you.
   — Karen Renee

August 6, 2003
everybody should have a will when they have children whether or not their facing surgery shouldn't matter. you would want her taken care of in case of a car accident or something too. get it done now and no matter what the future holds you know she'll be where you want her to be...
   — candymom64

August 6, 2003
Yes, you can make up a will and leave your wishes for guardianship, but if you are wanting to leave her to someone other than her father, and he contests it, it's all up to the judge... I was told it was unlikely my wishes would be respected if my son's father were to contest custody in the event something happened to me....(I named my parents his guardians, followed by my sister and her husband)....I guess it just depends on your daughter's father, and the judge and the situation, BUT I thought it was still a very worthwhile thing to do!!! It only cost me $40 through my current lawyer.
   — Kelly B.

August 6, 2003
I just simply filled out a temporary guardianship form that had to be notarized and made sure it was in the possesion of the person that I wanted my child to be with just in case something happened.There are timeframes on the form that you fill in such as "I want "so and so" to have guardianship of my child from ___to___. I put from the date of my surgery to indefinately.It's a cheap,simple solution that you can do on your own.
   — jennifer A.

August 7, 2003
Hon, you can "will" your child to anyone you choose. If you do it in your own handwriting, and sign it, you don't need to have it notorized, at least in most states. If you do it on the computer, or type it, you do have to have a notary witness your signature. In most states it doesn't even require an attorney. Now, rules vary from state to state, you'd have to make some phone calls to find out for sure the rules where you live. Also, I know this is a scary surgery, and preparing just in case is good, but try not to stress too much. The death rate is very very small. Good luck hon, and blessings on you.
   — Tanna M.

August 7, 2003
if your childs father still holds legal rights for her she would go to him. but...if he has given up all rights to you then you can name who you would like her to be with.
   — franbvan

August 7, 2003
You're young. You're relatively healthy. You're not going to die. Look at the stats. People who die are 1) severely morbidly obese, 2) old, 3) have pre-existing conditions that are killing them quickly anyway. I know it's hard to believe it, but it's true. You go to sleep and a mere 3 hours later you wake up to a new life. THAT'S the reality.
   — sandieguy