A guide to choosing godparents and guardians

As you make decisions about your will and other end-of-life tasks, one question that may come up is, what is the difference between a guardian and a godparent? This article will help you determine that difference, and also provide guidance on what to consider as you decide between these two distinct roles.

Guardian vs. godparent

A guardian is typically a legally named caretaker for your minor children or yourself if you become incapacitated. A guardian can function in many ways, either as someone who can make decisions for you on your behalf if you become incapacitated in some way, or as someone who sees to the care of any minor children you may have currently or in the future. While it may be unlikely that this person will be called upon to be a guardian to your child, if you have a lack of relatives or a strong feeling of who you would wish to fulfill this role should anything happen, it can be a good thing to decide sooner rather than later. 

This can be done by naming a guardian in your will, as well as the names and birthdates of your children with a potential clause for future children. A guardian’s role is to accept the responsibility of caring for and raising minor children in the event that you cannot.

Some may not find it necessary to name a legal guardian for their child (or themselves if they become incapacitated), and may find naming a godparent a better choice. A godparent does not hold a role as a caretaker in the eyes of a court. A godparent will typically serve as a type of leadership figure for your child.

Historically, the role of a godparent had religious roots and was responsible for the religious upbringing of a child if the parent was unable to and was typically named a godparent at a baptismal ceremony. More recently, however, the role of godparent has become a popular choice for a close family friend to take as an additional parental figure in the child’s life. A godparent may also be named a guardian in a will, however the title and role of godparent itself does not have any legal obligation to the responsibility of raising the child as well as no legal claim.

Deciding whether you would like a person to serve as either a godparent or a named guardian in your will is an important decision. One way to decide is to figure out if you would like the person to act more as a role model for the child, or if your intention is to build a safety net should you become unable to provide for the child and do not have a spouse or relative who could fulfill the role. You also have the choice to name a spouse or relative to the role of guardian, if there is not already a legal precedent for that decision.

Picking a Guardian

Choosing who to name guardian can feel like a pressured decision, but there are a few things you can keep in mind when you consider who to choose for this role

• Will this person raise the child with regard for how you wish the child to be raised?

• Is this person someone consistent and reliable, someone you have known long enough to know they will be able to provide for your child and remain a good choice for guardianship in the long-term?

• Is your relationship to this person circumstantial, or built on shared values?

• Does this person have a role in the child’s life currently?

Picking a Godparent

Choosing a godparent will likely be someone you are close to and who you know has a positive role in the life of your child. A few things you may consider:

• Does this person share similar values to yourself?

• Does this person provide additional guidance and support for your child?

• Is this person able to make a positive impact in your child’s life?

• Has this person expressed a desire to serve as a role model?

You also are able to name multiple guardians and/or godparents, if that is something you wish to do. When naming a guardian in your will, you may also have the option to say who you don’t want to be a guardian, if you so desire.

Choosing someone to have a role in your child’s life can be a big decision, but the support it provides for your child in terms of a safety net in case of unforeseen events is critical.

— Missy Roney