Bret Glenn
Kids Protection Planning: Securing Tomorrow for Your Children Today
Dec 16 2025 18:00
As a parent in Oklahoma, you’re always thinking about your children’s future — the big milestones, the smaller ones, and of course what happens if you’re not there. The right kids protection plan ensures that your children are cared for legally, financially, and emotionally, even if the unexpected happens. At Compass Legal Planning, we help families in all life stages create plans that cover the what-ifs so you can focus on being a parent, not worrying about paperwork.
What “Kids Protection Planning” Means
Kids protection planning goes beyond a basic will. It is a comprehensive approach that addresses:
Who will become the legal guardian if you and/or your partner cannot care for your children.
How your children’s inheritance or gift will be managed so it supports them responsibly (especially minors).
How to protect step-children, blended-family children, or children from previous relationships.
How to plan for emergencies (illness, accidents), transitions (college, moving out), and evolving life stages.
Essential Elements to Include
Guardian Designation – Clearly naming who you trust to raise your children if something happens to you (and possibly alternate guardians).
Will or Trust for Children’s Funds – Using a trust for your children can provide structured distribution (e.g., when child turns 18/21, finishes school, etc.) rather than a lump sum at age 18.
Letter of Wishes / Parenting Plan – Non-legal but valuable: how you want your child raised, values you want instilled, level of involvement of extended family, schooling preferences, etc.
Power of Attorney (Financial & Health) for Parents – So someone you trust can step in if you become incapacitated.
Review & Update Regularly – Kids grow fast, your family structure may change, and your plan should adapt to new realities.
Special Considerations for Oklahoma Families
Blended families or step-children: Without clear legal documents, uniform state default rules may not match your wishes.
Single parents: Your plan must cover both guardianship and funds for your children if you’re single or co-parenting.
Minor incapacity: If you become incapacitated but survive, you’ll want someone to act for you and protect your children’s interests.
Life events: marriage, divorce, adoption, children with special needs — each will likely require revisiting your plan.
Why This Planning Is Critical
Without proper planning, courts may decide guardianship, or children could end up with inheritance too early or too loosely managed.
Guardians may face more legal hurdles or delay if documents are incomplete or unclear.
A well-constructed plan reduces stress for surviving family, avoids conflict, and ensures your vision is honored.
How Compass Legal Planning Helps
We understand families in Oklahoma — whether you’re in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, Norman, Yukon or the surrounding area — and we help:
Walk you through the guardianship and trust options for children.
Draft the child-focused estate planning documents (wills, trusts, POAs, health directives).
Clarify your choices: guardian vs standby guardian, fund distribution age, trust rules, selection of trustee.
Provide follow-up support to review and update as your children grow, your family changes, and your needs evolve.
