Young father? Make a will! - to appoint a replacement guardian
If you have a child - even if they don't live with you - you should appoint a 'testamentary guardian' - someone who will replace you as one of your child's guardians, if you die. Usually people do that as part of their will.
Death - you don't want to think about it? Well, it happens! (Road toll, workplace accidents, whatever.)
If it happens to you, things will be much worse for your parents and your child's mother, if you haven't made a will and therefore you leave them with huge legal hassles at what will already be an awful time.
Write your own will if you want to. Or download an online one. Or go to a lawyer or the Public Trust. Whatever. Just do it!
(Guardians are responsible for the big decisions in a child's life. The mother is one guardian. Nowadays most fathers are automatically guardians by law. Even if they are not, they can still appoint a testamentary guardian.)
Kiwilaw's online $69 will includes appointing a testamentary guardian. You could use it to do a basic will now, download it, print it, sign in front of 2 independent adult witnesses. Appoint a parent or sibling or partner as executor, and a friend as backup executor. Leave everything to your partner or child/ren. Appoint a testamentary guardian. Keep it that simple.
Then revise it in a few days' time - no extra charge - if you want to go into more detail about your property, etc.
Please, just do it. Somehow, just do it. Today would be good. (Photo is from iStock.)
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It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.7% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below