Can you appoint a guardian for your child who is not a US citizen or resident?

Can you appoint a guardian for your child who is not a US citizen or resident?

My wife and I have a 5 month old daughter. I am a US citizen. My wife is a Turkish citizen and a US Green Card holder. Our daughter is a US citizen and a Turkish citizen. We are all US residents. I have a sister who is also an American and a resident of my state. My wife has a Turkish sister who lives in Istanbul. We want to know if we can name a non-US citizen (i.e.my wife’s sister) as our daughter’s guardian in the event of our premature deaths? What are the practical implications of such a choice? How would our daughter get to Istanbul? Would my sister have any rights?

Asked on February 22, 2012 under Estate Planning, New York

Answers:

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