What Happens to Your Kids If You're Hurt During the Holiday Rush?

The holiday season is full of excitement—shopping, decorating, traveling, school events. But with all the rushing around, there’s one question most parents have never stopped to ask:

If something happened to you today—who would legally step in for your kids?

It’s a question we avoid because it feels uncomfortable. Yet the holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for accidents, medical emergencies, and unexpected events. And when parents are suddenly unable to communicate, even temporarily, the law does not automatically give friends or family authority to step in for your children.

That means your kids could end up with:

• Police waiting with them until social services arrives
• Temporary strangers making decisions
• A judge deciding who cares for them—not you

And this can happen even if you have loving family members nearby.

Most New Jersey parents assume guardianship is automatic. It isn’t.
Most assume the hospital will “figure it out.” They won’t.
Most assume a spouse or relative can make decisions immediately. Not always.

Here’s the truth:
Unless you have the proper legal documents in place, your children are vulnerable to the system when you can’t speak for yourself.

This holiday season, whether you’re traveling, driving long distances, or simply juggling the daily rush, take a moment to consider the one thing every parent actually cares about most:

Your kids’ safety. Their stability. Their emotional wellbeing.

That’s why I’m hosting a free, holiday-themed online workshop for Ocean County parents on how to protect their children from unexpected guardianship issues, emergencies, and court involvement. It’s fast, practical, and created specifically for busy families.

Free Holiday Webinar for Parents: “Future-Proof Your Family This Season”
Learn the simple steps every parent should take before the holidays and the new year.

Register here: Holiday-Ready Parent Protection Webinar

You don’t need to bring anything. Just come ready to learn something most parents never hear about until it’s too late.

Let’s make this holiday season safer, calmer, and more secure for the people who matter most—our kids.

— Eldonie S. Mason, Esq., Barnegat Resident & Local Attorney Helping Families Protect What Matters Most

Attorney Advertising. For Educational Purposes Only. Not Legal Advice.