What happens if my child doesn’t sign advance directives?

That depends on what your child requires in terms of financial or medical assistance. If your child suffers a major trauma that will involve a lawsuit, public benefits, or any other property matters, the court will need to appoint a guardian. The court will dictate how funds are spent to take care of your child’s needs. If your child needs medical consents or treatment and is not married, 1 parent can make the decision. It may not be the parent the child would choose or the parents may disagree. If the parents disagree, it could require the court to appoint a guardian to make medical and personal decisions.