Guardians are the people you choose to care for your children if you die before they turn 18.
This guide explains who can be a guardian, how to choose the right people, how to list your children,
and how to record any special arrangements or wishes.
What do guardians do?
- Provide day-to-day care and make important decisions about your child's upbringing.
- Work with family, schools, doctors and others in your child's best interests.
- Keep siblings together where possible and maintain important family connections.
Who can be a guardian?
- Any adult (18+) who is willing and suitable - many people choose close family or trusted friends.
- You can name one Primary Guardian and a Backup Guardian (recommended).
- Choose people who are reliable, organised, and ideally living in New Zealand.
How do I choose the right guardians?
- Talk to them first - make sure they are willing and understand your wishes.
- Consider stability (home life, health, location) and values (parenting style, culture, faith, schooling).
- If family tensions exist, consider a neutral choice who keeps the peace.
What information do I enter here?
- Primary Guardian - full legal name, contact (optional), and their relationship to you.
- Backup Guardian - add a backup in case your primary cannot act.
- Children - list each child under 18: full legal name, current age, and relationship to you.
- Specify Other - if the relationship isn't listed, select “Other” and describe it briefly.
- Special Arrangements or Wishes - optionally record guidance (see below).
Should I add special arrangements or wishes?
This optional box lets you record practical guidance for your guardians (e.g., keeping siblings together,
maintaining cultural ties, schooling preferences, or preferred caregivers if the backup can't act).
Keep it short and practical - it guides your guardians but doesn't replace their duty to act
in each child's best interests.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Naming someone who hasn't agreed or isn't reliable.
- Forgetting to add a backup guardian.
- Not listing all children under 18 (each child needs their own block).
- Selecting “Other” relationship but not filling in Specify Other.
- Writing long, complex instructions - keep wishes clear and realistic.
Most people:
Choose a close family member as Primary Guardian and name a Backup Guardian for certainty.
Note:
You can update guardians later by making a new will. Keep your choices current if circumstances change.
Typically:
Parents list all children under 18 and add brief, practical wishes (e.g., schooling or family contact).
Recommendation:
Confirm with your chosen guardians now and keep your Will updated if family or living arrangements change.
Quick Questions
- Can I appoint more than one guardian? Yes - you can have a primary and a backup. Choose people who can cooperate.
- Do guardians need legal training? No. Practical care, good judgment, and stability matter most.
- What if my child turns 18? Guardianship ends at 18. Keep your Will updated as children become adults.
🔍 Need more answers?
See the full Guardian FAQs for detailed questions and answers.