Michael Jackson’s affairs! So much is going on with the mix of money, celebrity, strong willed family members and professional advisers, there is likely to be drama for years to come and at great expense. But what can a Savvy Auntie learn in all of this?

Often, estate planning or naming guardians falls by the wayside until high profile cases such as Michael Jackson’s or Anna Nicole Smith’s remind us all: legal planning must be done to ensure the well-being of your loved ones, in the event of an unexpected death or incapacity.

This should be a wakeup call!  As a Savvy Auntie, take note.  There are some lessons here for you, to ensure that your precious nieces and nephews don’t end up in a mess.

Despite the fact that Michael Jackson’s 2002 will names his 79 year old mother to be the guardian of his three children, there is still a custody battle brewing. Commentators have expressed the usual concerns that a judge will have to decide: "They should go back to their biological mothers; they should go to Janet (the auntie, because she's the most stable); they shouldn’t go to a 79 year old, she can’t raise three kids, two of whom are almost teenagers; they should never go to Michael's father, Joe, because of alleged abuse; or the children should live with their nanny because they feel most comfortable with her and call her mom."

Auntie Janet!

And although a court will give deference to Michael Jackson’s nomination in his will, Guardianship decisions are not automatic.  Aunt Janet could very well be the best choice for raising the kids!  

You might be thinking “We’re not celebrities. This would never happen in our family!”  But it doesn't matter, even if you are close you are with your family, if guardianship decisions aren’t put in writing, a child could end up in the middle of a very messy custody battle-or even worse-in the care of the state foster system!  

So, use this horrible event as a wakeup call!  Urge your siblings to document exactly who they want to raise their children if something unexpected should happen, NOW before it's too late, or the court may end up making these choices, to the detriment of your family.  

Photo Credit: Daylife.com