Godparent v guardian

Many parents assume that if they have appointed a godparent for their child, that the godparent will be able to step in to take care of the children if they were to die, but this is not the case.

A godparent’s role is a moral and religious one; it is the role of a ‘sponsor’ and being named as a godparent to a child does not create a legal relationship between the godparent and the child. If both a child’s parents were to die the godparent would not automatically become the child’s guardian.

A guardian's role, on the other hand, is a legal one. If both of a child’s parents were to die whilst a child is a minor (under 18 years of age), the guardian would have legal rights and obligations in respect of the child.

You may wish to appoint the same person as godparent and guardian but, either way, to ensure that the person you wish to care for your minor child can do so in the event of your death it is important to legally appoint that person as a guardian.

Read the full article here.