What will happen to DC if I die?

[joliejoleen]

My ex has not seen DS1 for 10 years.DS1 is now 12. If I died, what would happen to him? Would he be placed with my ex?

If your ex wanted to take him (and assuming he has parental responsibility), yes.

If your ex wasn't willing to take him in, then Social Services would try to find a family member. If you have appointed a guardian in your will, that would be the person they turn to - but only once they'd tried the other parent first (parental responsibility trumps a guardianship nomination).

The only alternative would be for a grandparent or other relative to take the issue to Family Court, to argue that it wouldn't be in the best interests of the child to live with his dad.

Their father will be the first port of call. Unless someone else has responsibility for the children.

You can appoint a guardian in your will. Although this won't over ride parental responsibility. They will be consulted about the options and co to us to have some involvement in your child's life.

You need to appoint a guardian in your will.
Similar situation here. We don't know where XP is and my family have always been around for my dc's.

I worry about this so much. My DCs Dad passed away and I have an irrational fear of something happening to me and leaving them orphaned.
I honestly wouldn't even know where I would want them to go.