Guardian bond

When people think about a Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPOA), they usually think only about naming someone to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. But the same document can also provide another important protection: you can state who you want to be appointed as your guardian if you ever become legally incompetent.

Even more importantly, you can direct that no bond be required of your chosen guardian.

Why does this matter?

Without clear instructions in place, families sometimes end up fighting over who should serve as guardian—causing stress, delays, and unnecessary legal battles. By naming your guardian in advance, you can prevent those disputes and ensure your wishes are respected.

And when it comes to money, guardian bonds can add up quickly:

  • Guardian bond premiums are calculated based on the total value of your assets.
  • They are paid annually for as long as the guardianship lasts.
  • This can mean thousands of dollars in unnecessary expenses over time.

A real-life example

Imagine a widowed father of three adult children who becomes incapacitated after a stroke. The children disagree about who should be guardian. The court appoints one of them, but because the father never waived the bond requirement, the guardian must pay a bond premium of nearly $3,000 each year—all taken out of the father’s assets. On top of that, the siblings’ disagreements strain their relationships.

Had the father set up a Healthcare Power of Attorney naming his preferred guardian and waiving the bond requirement, his family could have avoided the fighting and saved thousands of dollars.

The takeaway

A Healthcare Power of Attorney does more than protect your medical choices. It can also:

  • Avoid costly family disputes,
  • Save significant money on guardian bond premiums, and
  • Give you peace of mind knowing your wishes will be followed.

Talk to Godbey Law Today

At Godbey Law LLC, we help individuals and families put the right documents in place to protect their wishes and their loved ones. Don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule a consultation with our experienced estate planning attorneys today and let us guide you through creating a Healthcare Power of Attorney that works for you.

👉 Call us at 513-241-6650 or visit godbeylaw.com to get started.