Estate planning is often associated with retirees, but Dana Rieder, Attorney and Owner of Rieder Law, PC, believes it is just as essential for young families. After relocating to Texas with her husband and three children, she realized their estate plan—created in Pennsylvania—was outdated. “If something happens to us, what happens to our kids in the immediate aftermath?” she wondered. That concern led her to specialize in Kids Protection Planning®, ensuring parents have a plan to keep their children safe both immediately and long-term.
"I often thought, ‘If we are in an accident, what will happen to my kids while it is figured out who had the right to watch them?’ There would be a time delay, and it worried me," Dana explains. "As I transitioned my practice from litigation to estate planning, I discovered my mentor, Ali Katz, who developed Kids Protection Planning® to ensure children are raised by the people parents choose. It was exactly what I wanted to provide for other families. After all, our children are our most important asset."
Many parents assume a will is enough, but Dana clarifies, “Naming ‘Godparents’ is not the same as naming a guardian. Guardianship is not immediate—it still requires a court appointment by a judge.” Kids Protection Planning® includes both temporary guardians and permanent guardianship nominations, along with a medical power of attorney and detailed caregiver instructions. “Without these safeguards, if multiple people want to serve as a guardian, only a judge can decide, and that decision may not align with the parents' wishes.”
The Kids Protection Plan® ensures children are never placed in the care of strangers and allows parents to legally exclude individuals they would never want raising their children. DIY kits are available on RiederLawPC.KidsProtectionPlan.com, or parents can schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session.
Call 512-569-0009 or visit RiederLaw.com/Schedule-Online for more information. Weekly updates and resources are available on Facebook at @RiederLawPC.