My mom thinks that Godparents get custody?

Question

Did you know that if something happens to both parents then you have to specify someone in your will to take your children.

They don't automatically go to the Godparents. If it's not specified then it has to go through the court system (if more than one relative tries to claim them).

Answer 1

i think your right:)

Answer 2

Your mother is wrong. 100 years ago that could have been true in some places because that was how the Godparents tradition was born.  But today that's not the case, today people don't take it seriously and most of the time Godparents are chosen just randomly even if they have bad reputation; and sometimes the Godfather and the Godmother don't even know each other which void the whole original idea.

The only way the children go to the Godparents (or any one that is not blood related) is if you put it in writing AND if those people are approved by the family court and child services.

To put in the will is not enough, the people you choose must have a solid reputation and steady jobs (for example even if put in will that you want that your Best-Friend-Ever Britney Spear take care your kids, she will never get the custody if she has drinking problems and no job).

Usually blood related family members get the first call for custody and most of the time they get permanent custody unless child services find something wrong with them.

Today Godparents are just a formality imposed by the church but nobody take them seriously as possible adoptive parents, that's why I think it's better to pick up family members to play Godparents instead of non-related people that most likely the child will never see again.

Answer 3

the only way to really have GODPARENTS is to have it on paper, and it will only go to court it there are people fighting to the child, like grandparents or who ever. the grandparents are the most likly to get them, unless its in a will

Answer 4

Children go to next of kin unless specified in their will. I've had to say my children go to my sister and under no circumstances go to my parents. It's not that hard to draw up a will though.

Answer 5

Not unless it's in the Will when someone dies. God Parents are supposed to help see that the kids are trained in the religion they were Christened in. It has nohing to do with custody!

Answer 6

yes i did know that....

*Future attorney*

Answer 7

Godparents have nothing to do with custody, they are chosen to guide the child in their religious learnings, etc.

If a will is not prepared the custody will be fought out in family court. It is best to just have a will in place because the child or children may find themselves in temporary foster care if their case has to  go court.