If the worst was to happen.....

I think it's essential to have this done legally. Late DH and I asked friends to act as guardians for our 3 children and this was written into our wills. They in turn have all made wills with similar instructions.

Many years ago my sister and her husband (their children were a few years younger than ours) wrote their joint wills naming us as guardians should the worse happen. Thus I know legal steps can be taken to ensure against uncertain futures. Many solicitors are willing to have open-ended chats on the phone about such things. I think the general rule is that if the do not have to 'start a file' there will be no charge. So just have a chat with your daughter and get her to have a conversation with a recommended solicitor.

If your grandchild’s parent are willing, they can create a power of attorney that gives you temporary authority to make specific decisions for their child. Once power of attorney is signed over, you have whatever legal rights are specified in the document. For example, you might be given legal authority to seek medical care for your grandchild or register him or her in school.

I believe once (or even twice) a year they have a 'free wills month'.

Thank you for your responses.

Kim you say they are not in a position to do so; if the reason is financial then some solicitors will do your will for free if you leave a certain amount to a charity, say £100 or so to Cancer Research. They will do 'mirror wills' for a couple.

Here you can go to the local Commune(registrars office) and state in your childs health book who you want to look after them in event of your death or permanent disability, I am named with friends of DD and SIL, it can be changed depending on circumstances, one young friend died recently and she has been removed from the care list. It costs nothing and is legally binding.
both parents always have to agree to the peaople named.

You could go and see the Citizens Advice Bureau - at the very least they could direct you to a solicitor who would give you a free half-hour of advice, and they might have a sample letter that would help you to write yours.

They haven't made wills and at the moment are not in a position to do so - though I know how important it is.

There is another recent thread on this subject, perhaps someone can post a link (can't do that on my tab)

Yes, they need to name you as guardian in their wills.

Have your DD and SiL made Wills? If not they could do so and in those Wills can make provision of who would take care of any children. If they have made Wills they could simply do a codicil making provision.

Most solicitors will give half hour of free advice - maybe one would give you an idea of what needs to be written. My DD and SiL had me down to care for the children and if that not possible their father's brother.