Godparents would have custody... Is that still the case in Catholic families?

[Maryellen]

When I was growing up it was understood that your godparents would have custody of you if something happened to your parents. Is that still the case in Catholic families or is it just more of an honorary title?

[AFFA]

I wish to inform you that court is concerned with the best interest of child as main consideration. In this regard the godparents can have custody if they can show in court that best interest of child are served. Thus the god parents can take custody of child from court by showing religious and best interest of child. The custody of child is determined through courts.

AFF

[Lexus]

In this if your biological parents are not available and nobody is claiming your custody then the godparents can obtain child’s custody through court and only if court find it is for the best interest of the child.

[goddessoflubboc]

It is always wise for parents to create a will naming guardians in the event of their passing. My parents were very strict Catholics but the family attorney (also Catholic) was my backup guardian if my parents had died. Godparents, in my experience, were there to ensure you got a proper Catholic upbringing, in case your parents should stray. They were in charge of your soul, not your body

Originally Posted by Maryellen When I was growing up it was understood that your godparents would have custody of you if something happened to your parents. Is that still the case in Catholic families or is it just more of an honorary title?

I don't think our parents worded it quite that way. If they did they clearly weren't aware of the legalities involved.

The only people who get legal custody of children if something should happen to the parents is whomever has been named legally in their will or living trust.

[path]

Originally Posted by Maryellen When I was growing up it was understood that your godparents would have custody of you if something happened to your parents. Is that still the case in Catholic families or is it just more of an honorary title?

Im afraid the Godparent is a religious title but not a legal one.
Back in the day the Godparent was appointed to be responsible for the childs religious up bringing. It was an honorary position in the church.
Usually the next of kin are appointed guardians of a child, in the event both parents are deceased and no one is designated as the legal guardians. I believe it goes grandparents then Aunts and Uncles.
If the parents did legally specify someone such as the godparents as legal guardian in the event of their deaths than the Godparents would have custody but only if it is legally dealt with be fore the parents passing.

[Maryellen]

Originally Posted by Unregistered I don't think our parents worded it quite that way. If they did they clearly weren't aware of the legalities involved. The only people who get legal custody of children if something should happen to the parents is whomever has been named legally in their will or living trust.

This might be an age thing. Family matters were much less litigious when I was growing up. Divorce was still an aberration-at least in my neighborhood.

Thank you all for clearing that up.

[goddessoflubboc]

I don't think it's an age thing. I'm 49. More often than not godparents weren't even a couple, but rather two people with the appropriate standards.

It was never intended that godparents step in if the parents die. They were there to assure you maintained your Catholic upbringing.

[Friend In Court]

Godparents can be of any age and ability or desire to raise children. It was best said that they are to be in charge of a child's spiritual/religious upbringing not full day to day parenting. Goddessoflubuc said it concisely.