At Antonoplos & Associates, we’ve been helping families across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia protect their loved ones for over 20 years. If you’re a parent, you’ve probably thought about a will or making sure your kids inherit your home in Chevy Chase or your savings. But there’s one document even more critical for parents, and it’s not a will. It’s a guardianship designation. Without it, your children’s future could be left in limbo. Here’s why every D.C. area parent needs this unsung hero of estate planning.

What Is a Guardianship Designation?

A guardianship designation is a legal document, often part of a will or a standalone nomination that names who will care for your minor children if you and your spouse or co parent can’t. Think of it as your safety net. In D.C., if you pass away or become incapacitated without this in place, the court steps in to decide who raises your kids. And that’s where things can go off the rails.

The Risk Without It

Imagine you’re a parent in Capitol Hill with two young kids. You and your partner don’t have a guardianship designation because you figured your will covered everything. Tragedy strikes, and suddenly, there’s no clear plan for your children. Under D.C. law, the probate court takes over, appointing a guardian based on its interpretation of their “best interests” (D.C. Code § 16-2383). Your sister in Shaw might want custody, but your in laws in Bethesda could argue they’re better suited. The court might even pick a distant relative or worse, a foster placement while the fight plays out.

We’ve seen this happen. A Northwest D.C. couple passed unexpectedly, leaving no guardianship plan. Their toddler ended up in temporary foster care for months while family members battled in court. The process drained the estate and, more heartbreakingly, disrupted the child’s life. All because one simple document was missing.

Why a Will Isn’t Enough

A will is crucial. It directs your assets but it’s not designed to act fast in a crisis. Probate in D.C. takes at least six months, and during that time, your kids need immediate care. Plus, a will only kicks in after you’re gone; it doesn’t cover incapacity, like if you’re in a coma after an accident. A guardianship designation, whether standalone or within a will, gives clear instructions right away, ensuring your children stay with the people you trust, no delays or disputes.

Who Should You Choose?

Picking a guardian is personal. Maybe it’s your brother in Dupont Circle who shares your values, or a close friend in Arlington with kids the same age. Consider their location, lifestyle, and ability to step up. In D.C.’s fast-paced world, where families often juggle careers and community ties, you’ll want someone who can keep your kids’ lives stable. Same school with same routines.

How We Make It Happen

At Antonoplos & Associates, we’ve helped parents across the D.C. metro area lock in this peace of mind. Here’s how:

• Draft the Designation: We’ll create a clear, legally binding document naming your chosen guardian(s), tailored to D.C. requirements.
• Pair It with a Will or Trust: Combine it with a will or revocable living trust to cover assets and care in one seamless plan.
• Plan for the Unexpected: We can include backups ,alternate guardians, if your first choice can’t serve.
• Keep It Flexible: Life changes, and so can your designation. We’ll help you update it as needed.

Why Every Parent Needs This Now

In D.C.’s neighborhoods whether you’re raising kids in a row house in Shaw or a condo in Dupont Circle life moves fast. Accidents don’t wait for you to get around to estate planning. Without a guardianship designation, your kids could face uncertainty at the worst possible time. It’s not just about your stuff, it’s about their stability.

Let Us Help You Protect Them

At Antonoplos & Associates we’re more than attorneys. We’re partners in safeguarding your family. Serving the D.C. area for over two decades, we bring expertise and empathy to every plan. Call us at 202-803-5676 for a free, no risk consultation with one of our skilled estate planning attorneys. Let’s make sure your kids are with the right people, no matter what life throws your way. One document can change everything. Don’t wait to get it done.