What it is: a person designated to serve as a backup guardian if the primary guardian is unable or unwilling to act.
Why you need one: to ensure care and support continue without interruption — many estate plans name secondary and/or additional backup guardians. It is the “nobody wants to think about it, everybody should plan” piece.
Where you name them: in your will (for minor children) and sometimes in a standalone nomination. Name at least one, ideally two, in case your first choice can’t serve.
Watch out for: don’t stop at one name. If your only named guardian can’t serve and you haven’t named a successor, the court picks — and it may not be who you’d want. Layer the backups.