# Who Gets Custody? A Guide to Legal Guardianship in Singapore
Yes, it may sound dauting to think about that what will happen to your children in the worst-case scenarios? Who is going to take care of them immediately and how gets the long-term custody? In this post we will examine about the ***[legal guardianship in Singapore](https://www.noblewills.com/en-sg/services/deed-of-temporary-guardianship/)*** and why should you update the will.

It is not unusual for many parents to move to Singapore and make careful plans for everything. We choose good jobs to support our kids, research top international schools, and look for family-friendly areas. We look at lots of places until we find one we like.

However, what we miss the most is the worst-case scenarios. More importantly, what will happen to you and your partner if your partner passes away and your children are left with your parents? We know that it is an awful thing to be a parent. That is why you need to understand legal guardianship in Singapore. Here is what you need to know.

## Legal guardianship in Singapore
### What do you need to know about being a legal guardian in Singapore?
It's important to think about who will look after your children if something happens to you. This is especially true if you are an expat and far from extended family. It's good to know ***[how legal guardianship works in Singapore](https://www.noblewills.com/en-sg/services/deed-of-temporary-guardianship/)***. This can help you take steps now to help.
#### About worst-case scenario
If the both the parent pass ways in short span of time, your children will be put under a temporary guardian in Singapore. However, if you have not appointed one, then your guardian will be placed in the care of court until a legal guardian gets appointed or they will be executed.

It means that your children will be under foster care. Though it is an important part of the legal system of Singapore, it can be hard for kids who have lost their parents to live with strangers. However, you can make plans to minimize such scenarios.

## How can I stop my children from going into foster care?
First of all, it is important that you appoint a temporary legal guardian. It is most commonly done by changing your will or by submitting a formal letter to the lawyer or the guardian themselves. However technically, one can be a legal guardian, but legal experts say you should appoint someone who can care for your children until a legal guardian is found.

### Appoint a temporary guardian.
Since you currently live in Singapore, it would be better if you appointed a guardian who also lives there. It's also important to make sure that the person you choose as a legal guardian knows about the decision and has agreed to take on the role.

Also, if your child is still young and you've appointed two different legal guardians, the Guardian of Infants Act says that both guardians will work together to provide care until a permanent legal guardian can be found.

### About the helper
Though foreign domestic helpers have become an important part of the family, it is not wise to appoint them as temporary legal guardians in Singapore. If there is sponsored by the employer and the employer dies, then that case, their visa becomes void and forces them to leave the country. It could jeopardize your kid's security.

## The importance of a will
Ensure that you have updated your will and that you have appointed a legal guardian. You can appoint anyone as your child's legal guardian. When a child in Singapore is placed in a temporary legal guardian, it is up to the court to determine the permanent legal guardian if you have named someone in the will. These measures ensure that your child gets the best care.

## What your appointed legal guardian needs to know
If you appoint a legal guardian, the court will be keeping a close eye on their life. The court might ask for proof of employment, salary, bank statements, and residence. Just a heads-up: your appointed guardian will need to provide this info when assuming ***[guardianship in Singapore](https://www.noblewills.com/en-sg/services/deed-of-temporary-guardianship/)***.

Once the court has decided on the permanent legal guardian, which is usually the person named in the will, they will issue a letter of guardianship. While most countries will accept this letter, some may ask for extra proof. It's a good idea to check with your embassy or a legal expert to understand your specific situation.

## Conclusion:
It is important to ensure that your children have got the safety net for their financial welling being whether it is temporary or permanent guardian. If you want to learn more about appointing legal guardian for your children to secure their future, please contact Noble Wills.

We help you guide through the process and help you find the way during any challenges that may arise. Contact us today.