Parenthood can be a chaotic and daunting time, especially in the first days of your first-born child. There are certain practical steps that you need to take in the first weeks and months of your child’s birth to ensure that they are protected and cared for in the future. This checklist will then ensure that you have taken the appropriate steps necessary for your child.
Take Out Life Insurance
Taking out life insurance after your child’s birth is vital if you have not already done so. Life insurance will ensure that your family, including your child, is protected financially in the event of your death. Life insurance will help to replace your income and any outstanding debts and payments if you die unexpectedly whilst they are still in your care. This can also help the carer of your child pay for their expenses as well as for their education such as college. Local Life Agents is a life insurance comparison service that can help advise you as to the best insurance for your family. By using their services, you can rest assured that you are getting the best deal and that your family is covered in an emergency.
Find Childcare
Although your child may be the best thing that ever happened to you, there will be times when you want to have a night off. Additionally, once you or your partner start returning to work, you will need a childcare service to ensure that they are cared for in your absence. You should start to look for childcare as soon as possible to ensure that you find a carer who you are happy is suitable for your situation and child. If your family is unable to care for your child, you should find out about your workplace’s creche or research childminders in your local area.
Register the Birth
Although having a baby seems like fun and games, it is important that you fill out all the necessary paperwork for your child to ensure that they are acknowledged by the law. This includes registering the birth. The hospital your baby is born at will usually give you a form which you will fill out and return whilst you are there. Your hospital will then fill out the rest of the paperwork and send this to your state administrative branch. If you have not thought of a name, you will have to send these yourself to your county’s health department. After this, you will normally receive a birth certificate within a month of sending.
Change Your Will
To ensure that your child is protected after you die, you should ensure that you change your will as soon as possible. Although your next of kin automatically inherits your possessions, it is important that you state your overt wishes in a will to ensure that there are no issues pertaining to your will when you pass away. To change your will, you can either oversee this yourself or contact a solicitor.
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