If a minor inherits their parents’ estate, the Courts decide who controls the child’s inheritance until age 18. A father might not want the mother (having first right) to manage his money and she will pay court fees or bond premiums to access this money. Also, the custody can be with a different person. If two people want guardianship, the Court could order split custody and require the money managed by both. Plus, moving to the guardian’s home could cause another major disruption in the child’s life.
—Mary Kate Speed, Esq., Lambariello, Edwards, Smith, & Speed, LLC