I really didn't know where to put this thread, but since it involves our church (baptist), I thought I'd try here. Mods, move it if it's not the right place.
My wife and I won 2 wills at a raffle. Thinking of who we would have be the ones raising our children in the instance my wife and I both pass away has been REAL tough. My parents are believers, but having them being the guardians is out of the question (due to a number of reasons). My in-laws are not believers, so they are out of the question, as well as her side of the family (sisters) for the same reason.
We have cousins our age that are believers, but they live in Washington D.C., in the military, and we didn't want our children to always be uprooted and that far from their biological family (my son LOVES both sets of grammy's and pa-pa's :))
We have thought about leaving the decision to the elders in our church, as their spritual lives and how they are raised in that regards are much more valuable to us than their physical living arrangements (there are quite a few young couples, and I'm sure one of them would be more than willing to be their guardians). Has anyone ever done anything like this before, or heard of anything like it?
Last will and testament
Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by webdog, Dec 5, 2007.
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Well brother..... i'm dissapointed that you have not considered me and my family. We could bring them up as great little Calvinists. :laugh:
But seriously, this is something you want to pray long and hard about. This could affect the rest of your children's lives. I'm sorry you do not have a better relationship with natural family..... or whatever the problem is. I'll pray for that situation for you.
If you will notice all the problems within the church.... i'd think long and hard before I would leave a decision like that up to any church. We, as a body are far from perfect. -
:laugh:
The Elders in my church ARE calvinists, does that count? -
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Oh, and as always, wills should be updated as things change and circumstances dictate. Who you choose now may not be the best choice 5 years from now.
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We've had to make that decision, too. We chose a couple of family members. Although they are agnostic, they still love our boys and would take excellent care of them. I can only pray that my boys will continue in their faith if something were to happen to us.
love,
Sopranette -
Web - will be praying for you concerning your decision. My wife and I have been chosen in the event of several people's untimely passing to take their children in. It's a responsibility I don't take lightly at all... as my wife was taken in in a similar fashion (although because of abuse, not death!).
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I do not really have any advice on whether this is a good idea or not.
However, I would say that if you decide to go the elder route, then you might seriously consider an irrevocable trust instead of a will. Even with a will things can be quite crazy in the event of death. With a trust, they go much smoother and you would be assured that your wishes are carried out completely.
Just a thought, and I will pray God leads you to the best way. -
Web; most of the time if something did happen to both of you at the same time, to find someone who would take them in and raise them is a problem for most. First you would have to know who among your family or friends would be willing to do that. I know even as old as I am, I would take any of my grandchildren in and take care of them, but for me to say I would be able to take someone else's children, I wouldn't know what to say due to the age thing and sickness. You would really have to have a very good friend that would take on that responsibility. I am just trying to be "real" here and not hard hearted. I wish I could be of more help, but I think I would discuss it with who ever I picked, before making the will.
BBob, -
When we did our wills, the lawyer suggested that we not name guardians, but just name someone we trusted to make a good choice for the children's guardians should there ever be a need for it. That way, you are less likely to have to go back and make changes over and over as people's circumstances change.
That is, I guess, sort of what you would be doing by naming the elders of your church. But since the group of elders might change over time, how can you be certain that you'd always trust them to make a good choice?