Guardianship nominations are a vital component of an estate plan for parents and caregivers who want to direct who will care for their minor children if something unexpected happens. In Riverdale Park and across Stanislaus County, making clear, legally effective nominations can prevent family disputes and ensure continuity in a child’s day-to-day life and long-term care. This section explains why nominations matter, what documents typically include them, and how naming primary and alternate guardians can provide layered protection. We focus on practical, actionable steps families can take to document their wishes and align arrangements with broader estate planning goals.
Choosing guardians and documenting those choices involves more than naming a trusted person. Guardianship nominations should reflect the child’s best interests, consider the nominee’s willingness and ability to provide care, and coordinate with other estate plan elements like trusts and wills. Parents often pair nominations with pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and trust provisions to ensure assets are available to support a guardian’s care. Thoughtful nominations reduce uncertainty, help courts follow parental intent, and minimize the risk of contested outcomes. This guide walks through practical considerations and how to create durable, clear nominations for your family.
Naming guardians ahead of time provides clarity and direction when families face difficult circumstances. A properly drafted nomination establishes the parents’ preferences for who will assume physical and legal care of minor children, which helps courts honor parental intent. Guardianship nominations also help coordinate financial arrangements by linking nominated guardianship plans to trusts or pour-over wills so that assets can be managed for the child’s benefit. For families in Riverdale Park, a clear nomination reduces stress, shortens court processes, and helps preserve family stability by creating a documented roadmap for caregiving and financial support.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides estate planning services with a focus on practical planning for family needs, including guardianship nominations. Our team works with clients across Stanislaus County to create durable plans that reflect each family’s values and goals. We prepare wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, and related documents to ensure nominations function within a complete estate strategy. Our approach emphasizes clear communication, individualized plans that suit family circumstances, and careful drafting to reduce the likelihood of disputes and ensure smooth transitions when care needs change.
A guardianship nomination is a legal statement that communicates parents’ preferences for who should care for minor children if the parents cannot do so. While courts retain authority to appoint a guardian, a nomination provides persuasive evidence of the parents’ wishes and is often given significant weight. Nominations are typically included in wills or separate nomination forms, and they can name primary and alternate guardians, outline preferences for schooling or religious upbringing, and indicate whether guardians should manage assets through a trust or other mechanism. Proper documentation and coordination with other estate planning documents are essential to maximizing the nomination’s effectiveness.
Beyond naming an individual, effective nominations consider the financial and practical implications of guardianship. This includes ensuring assets are accessible to support the child, appointing a trustee if funds will be held in trust, and providing instructions for health and education decisions until the child reaches adulthood. Guardianship nominations should also be reviewed periodically to account for changes in family circumstances, relationships, and laws. Clear written statements, willingness confirmations from prospective guardians, and complementary provisions in wills and trusts all help ensure that a guardian can step into the role with the necessary authority and resources.
A guardianship nomination is a formal preference expressed by parents about who should assume legal responsibility and physical care for their minor children. It can be part of a last will, a separate nomination document, or included within an estate planning packet that contains trust and supporting documents. While courts make the final appointment decision, they typically consider the parents’ nomination heavily unless there are concerns about safety or suitability. Nominations can include practical instructions and name alternates in case the primary nominee is unavailable, providing a layered approach to protect the child’s well-being and preserve parental intent during a difficult time.
When preparing a guardianship nomination, include clear identification of the nominated individuals, both primary and alternate, and any preferences about living arrangements, religious upbringing, and schooling. Coordinate the nomination with a will, trust, and financial documents to ensure the guardian has access to funds necessary for daily care and long-term support. Consider naming a trustee or directing assets to a trust to avoid placing the burden of managing funds on a guardian who may not have experience with financial administration. Also document any agreed-upon roles, confirm the nominee’s willingness, and keep records up to date as family circumstances evolve.
Understanding commonly used terms helps families navigate nominations and related estate planning. This glossary covers the basic words and phrases you will encounter when preparing guardianship documents, including legal roles, types of documents, and the relationship between guardianship and financial arrangements. Familiarity with these terms makes it easier to make informed decisions and to communicate preferences to courts, family members, and the professionals preparing your estate plan. Clear definitions reduce confusion and help ensure that nominations produce the intended outcomes for the child’s care and support.
Guardianship refers to the legal responsibility for a minor’s personal care and welfare, including decisions about education, health care, and daily living arrangements. A court can appoint a guardian when parents are unable to care for a child, but parents’ nominations are influential in that decision. Guardians do not necessarily manage all financial affairs unless they are also appointed conservator or trustee. For long-term financial support, parents often pair guardianship with trust arrangements to ensure funds are available for the child’s needs without requiring the guardian to handle complex asset management tasks.
A nomination of guardian is a written declaration made by parents indicating their preference for who should take custody and care of their minor children should the need arise. This nomination typically appears in a will or as a separate form, and it can name alternates and set out preferences for custodial care. The nomination helps courts ascertain parental intent and can streamline emergency transitions. While not automatically binding, a clear nomination reduces ambiguity and can persuade a court to appoint the nominated person unless evidence suggests the nomination would not serve the child’s best interests.
A trust is a legal arrangement that holds assets for the benefit of a child, with management provided by a trustee. When parents use a trust in conjunction with a guardianship nomination, the trustee can distribute funds to a guardian for the child’s care while protecting the principal for future needs. Naming a trustee and setting distribution guidelines help ensure that funds are used appropriately without placing full financial management responsibility on a guardian. Trust options include revocable living trusts, irrevocable arrangements, and trusts tailored to special circumstances such as special needs or pet care.
A pour-over will is a testamentary document that transfers assets into an existing trust upon the testator’s death. For parents who name a guardian in their estate plan, a pour-over will ensures that any assets not already placed in trust are directed into the trust for management and support of the child. This device helps maintain financial continuity for the child and aligns asset distribution with the broader estate plan. Using a pour-over will alongside a guardianship nomination helps match custody arrangements with financial provisions for the child’s needs.
Families can choose different strategies to provide for their children if parents cannot care for them, including simple nominations in a will, combining nominations with trusts, or creating more elaborate plans that address education, health, and long-term financial security. A will-based nomination is straightforward but may offer less financial protection than a trust-backed plan. A trust can provide ongoing management and greater protection of assets. The best approach depends on family assets, complexity of needs, and whether ongoing oversight of funds will be required to protect the child’s future.
When families have modest assets and a close, financially capable family member is prepared to assume care, a straightforward nomination within a will may be sufficient. In such situations, the nominated guardian can reasonably provide for the child’s needs without complex asset management. Parents should still ensure that any needed access to funds is addressed, perhaps through simple bank account arrangements or payable-on-death designations, and that the chosen guardian has demonstrated willingness to serve. Periodic review of the nomination keeps the plan aligned with changes in relationships and circumstances.
A limited approach to nominations can be appropriate when parents anticipate short-term caregiving needs or when the primary goal is to name a trusted person for immediate temporary care. In those cases, directions in a will or a separate nomination document can provide courts with parental preference for quick decision-making. Even so, parents should consider contingency plans in case their situation becomes longer-term or assets required for the child’s support need to be managed formally. Clear communication with potential nominees about expectations and responsibilities is important in all scenarios.
When a child has special care needs, or when parents want to protect significant assets for the child’s benefit, comprehensive planning becomes important. Combining a nomination with trust arrangements, a trustee appointment, and detailed distribution rules can ensure proper management of funds while preserving resources for long-term care, education, and medical needs. Comprehensive plans allow families to tailor distributions to developmental milestones and to appoint fiduciaries to manage funds responsibly, easing the administrative burden on a guardian and promoting financial stability for the child.
In blended families or situations where multiple relatives have competing interests, a comprehensive plan helps reduce ambiguity and potential conflict. Clear directives about guardianship, asset distribution, and trustee authority create a cohesive framework that courts can follow, reducing the chances of contested proceedings. Including alternates, documenting reasons for choices, and aligning guardianship nominations with trust and will provisions help communicate parental intent to all interested parties and facilitate smoother transitions if the need to appoint a guardian arises.
A comprehensive approach that integrates guardianship nominations with trusts, wills, and supporting documents provides both immediate and long-term benefits. It improves the likelihood that a guardian will have the financial resources needed to care for the child, preserves assets for future needs, and reduces administrative friction. Coordinated documents also help ensure that medical and education decisions align with parental wishes by including directives and powers of attorney. Overall, this approach offers families greater certainty and helps maintain continuity of care during stressful transitions.
Beyond financial considerations, comprehensive planning addresses practical caregiving arrangements and reduces ambiguity for courts and family members. Including advance health care directives, HIPAA authorizations, and guardianship nominations ensures that the nominated guardian can access medical information and make timely decisions. Naming successors and trustees, and providing clear instructions about the child’s routine, schooling, and community ties, reduces potential conflict and supports a smoother transition. Families gain peace of mind knowing that their plans are coordinated and adaptable as circumstances change.
A major benefit of combining nominations with trust arrangements is uninterrupted financial support for the child. A trustee can be tasked with managing funds, paying for necessary expenses, and following distribution rules set by the parents. This arrangement reduces the burden on a guardian who may be focused on daily caregiving responsibilities and ensures that funds are preserved for long-term needs. Clear trustee instructions and oversight mechanisms help prevent misuse of funds and provide a structured way to support the child’s future milestones and needs.
Comprehensive estate planning decreases the potential for disputes by articulating parental intent across multiple documents. When courts and family members can review a unified plan that includes guardianship nominations, trustees, and distribution instructions, they are more likely to honor the parents’ wishes. Clear, consistent documents reduce interpretive questions and provide a framework for resolving conflicts. This legal clarity helps families move forward with decisions that prioritize the child’s welfare while respecting the parents’ stated preferences.
Begin conversations with potential guardians well before documents are finalized so you can confirm willingness and discuss expectations. These discussions help ensure that the nominated person understands responsibilities like daily care, educational choices, and coordination with financial arrangements. When potential nominees accept in writing or by email, that confirmation can be included in your file to show intent. Early communication also allows families to address logistical details such as housing, employment flexibility, and any training or support a guardian might need to provide consistent care for your children.
Life changes such as moves, marriages, births, or changes in health may affect who is best suited to serve as guardian. Review your nominations and related documents at regular intervals and after significant life events to ensure they still reflect your wishes and current circumstances. Updating documents reduces the risk of disputes and keeps instructions clear for courts and family members. Keep copies of nominations with other estate documents and inform trusted individuals about where documents are stored so they can be located if needed.
Guardianship nominations protect children by indicating parents’ preferred caregivers and facilitating quicker, more orderly transitions should parents be unable to care for minors. Families with young children, blended households, or those with special needs should particularly consider formal nominations because they add a layer of clarity and legal weight to parental wishes. Preparing nominations as part of a broader estate plan helps align custodial intentions with financial provisions, health directives, and trust arrangements, reducing uncertainty during emotionally difficult times and helping ensure that a child’s environment and care standards are preserved.
Creating nominations early also gives families time to vet and discuss options, appoint alternates, and coordinate with chosen guardians about expectations. When parents document contingent plans for custody and care, they reduce the burden on courts and family members who might otherwise face contested proceedings. Formal nominations also encourage clearer financial planning, such as naming trustees and establishing distribution rules so a guardian can focus on caregiving while fiduciaries manage funds in the child’s best interest. This forward planning provides peace of mind and practical readiness.
Guardianship nominations are important in a range of family situations including when parents have young children, when a parent faces health risks, or when families have significant assets that need management for a minor. They are also essential in blended families where custody decisions might otherwise be contested, and in cases where a child has special medical or educational needs that require continuity of care. Nominations help clarify parental intent and coordinate with financial arrangements so that a child’s needs are met without unnecessary delay or discord among relatives.
Parents of infants and young children should prioritize guardianship nominations because younger children require immediate, ongoing care and structured decision-making about health, schooling, and daily routines. A clear nomination helps ensure that the transition of care reflects parental choices and that the nominated guardian is ready to assume responsibilities. Paired with financial provisions such as trusts or accessible funds, nominations for young children protect daily living needs and help maintain stability in relationships, schooling, and medical care when parents cannot provide direct oversight.
When a child has special medical, developmental, or educational needs, guardianship nominations should be made with careful attention to long-term care planning. Naming a guardian who understands and can coordinate specialized services, therapies, and support networks is important. Financial arrangements such as special needs trusts and coordinated benefit planning help ensure the child’s eligibility for public programs while providing supplemental support. Clear documentation and detailed instructions reduce the risk of service disruptions and promote continuity in the child’s care and therapeutic goals.
In blended families or cases with complex custody histories, nominations help resolve potential disagreements about appropriate caregivers by articulating parental wishes and providing alternates. A written, well-documented nomination aligned with trust and will provisions reduces ambiguity and helps courts make decisions consistent with parents’ intent. Discussing nominations with all family stakeholders and ensuring that documents clearly explain choices can limit disputes and give courts a straightforward basis for appointments that prioritize the child’s stable, loving care.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides guidance to Riverdale Park families on drafting guardianship nominations, coordinating those nominations with wills and trusts, and preparing associated documents like powers of attorney and health care directives. We help parents select and document primary and alternate guardians, design trustee arrangements, and create instructions that reflect the family’s values and long-term needs. Our goal is to produce clear, durable plans that reduce uncertainty for courts and families and ensure that children receive consistent care and financial support when parents cannot provide it directly.
Families choose our office for practical, client-focused estate planning that addresses guardianship and related needs. We emphasize clear communication, careful drafting of nominations and complementary documents, and guidance about how to coordinate trustees and financial arrangements to support a guardian. Our approach involves discussing family dynamics, reviewing asset structures, and recommending solutions that align with your values. We strive to make the planning process manageable and focused on achieving outcomes that protect children and preserve family stability if care decisions must be made under difficult circumstances.
Our team prepares comprehensive documents including revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, financial powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and certifications of trust to support guardianship nominations. We tailor recommendations based on each family’s situation, including special needs planning, pet trusts, retirement plan trusts, and life insurance trust considerations. By integrating guardianship nominations with a broader estate plan, we help families secure both immediate caregiving arrangements and long-term financial oversight that protects the child’s future and reduces administrative burdens on nominated guardians.
We also help clients plan for contingencies by naming alternates, documenting nominee acceptance, and reviewing plans periodically. Attention to detail in drafting and coordinating documents reduces the risk of disputes and ensures that a child’s needs are met without unnecessary delay. Our office supports families through each step of the planning process, from initial conversations about potential guardians to preparation and execution of the final documents, and we provide practical advice on storing and communicating these important papers to trusted individuals.
Our process begins with a focused intake to understand family dynamics, the child’s needs, and the parents’ priorities. We review assets, existing documents, and potential nominees, then recommend a plan that may include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives. Drafting emphasizes clarity for courts and family members, and we assist with obtaining written acceptance from nominated guardians when appropriate. We also discuss how trustees and distribution rules should operate to support a guardian, and we schedule regular reviews to keep documents current as circumstances change.
The initial stage focuses on discussing family structure, the child’s needs, and potential nominees for guardianship. We ask questions about prospective guardians’ living situations, willingness to serve, and ability to provide care. This assessment informs whether a simple nomination in a will is adequate or whether a trust-based approach is recommended. We also address naming alternates and obtaining preliminary consent. The goal of this step is to create a nomination that reflects parental intent and is practical for the nominated individuals to carry out when needed.
Evaluating potential guardians includes discussing daily routines, employment, geographic location, and ability to meet a child’s educational and medical needs. We help parents think through how a guardian would handle practical matters such as housing, schooling, and transportation. These considerations influence whether a guardian is likely to be the best fit and whether additional financial support or a trustee will be needed. Documenting these evaluations in planning materials helps justify choices and provides courts with practical insights into parental intent.
We encourage parents to speak with prospective guardians and secure informal or written confirmation of willingness to serve. Naming alternates is essential in case the primary nominee is unavailable. Parents should also consider backup plans for situations where living arrangements or relationships change. We document preferences and alternates clearly in the nomination and related documents to reduce uncertainty and ensure that courts have a clear, prioritized list of suitable candidates to consider when appointing a guardian.
In the second stage we prepare the formal nomination and any complementary documents needed to support a guardian, such as trusts, pour-over wills, and powers of attorney. Drafting includes directions for trustees, distribution rules, and any conditions or milestones for disbursements. We also prepare advance health care directives and HIPAA authorizations so nominated guardians can access medical information and make timely decisions. This coordination helps ensure that both caregiving and financial needs are addressed with minimal administrative friction.
We draft clear nomination language that identifies primary and alternate guardians, states parental preferences, and references any governing trusts. Language is tailored to be easily understood by courts and family members and to align with California law regarding guardianship appointments. When used in a will, the nomination is placed in a context that supports transfer of assets to a trust or named trustee so that the appointed guardian can secure the child’s needs promptly and effectively.
When appropriate, we prepare revocable living trusts, special needs trusts, or other trust types to hold assets for a child’s benefit and appoint a trustee to manage funds. Trustee instructions set out distribution parameters, allowable expenses, and milestones for larger disbursements. These provisions ensure that a trustee can make distributions to a guardian without compromising the child’s long-term financial security. Coordinating trusteeship with guardianship reduces conflict and clarifies financial roles.
After documents are prepared, proper execution and secure storage are essential. We guide clients through signing formalities, witness and notarization requirements, and advise where to keep originals and copies. We recommend that clients inform trusted individuals about document locations and provide nominees with necessary contact information. Finally, we schedule periodic reviews to update nominations and related documents after major life events like moves, marriages, births, or changes in nominee availability to ensure continued effectiveness of the plan.
Proper execution includes following California requirements for wills and certain trusts, securing witness signatures when needed, and notarizing where appropriate. We advise on where to store originals—such as with trusted family members, secured file storage, or with a lawyer—and how to provide accessible copies to nominated guardians. Clear instructions about where documents are located help ensure quick access when needed and reduce delays in court proceedings or caregiver transitions.
Guardianship nominations and estate documents should be reviewed regularly to reflect changes in relationships, finances, and the child’s needs. We recommend periodic check-ins and revisions following significant life events to ensure nominations remain appropriate and legally effective. Updating documents reduces the risk of inconsistencies and demonstrates ongoing intent. Regular review also ensures coordination with retirement plan trusts, life insurance arrangements, and other assets intended to support the child’s long-term welfare.
A guardianship nomination is a document or clause in a will in which parents state their preference for who should care for their minor children if the parents are unable to do so. It expresses parental intent and provides courts with a prioritized list of nominees, including alternates. A court-appointed guardian is the individual the court formally designates to assume legal responsibility for the child. While courts consider the parents’ nomination heavily, they must also evaluate what arrangement serves the child’s best interests, and they may decline a nomination if concerns are present. Because a nomination does not automatically override a court’s duty to protect the child, families often complement nominations with other estate planning tools to address financial needs and caregiving logistics. Coordinating a nomination with trusts or trustee appointments ensures a guardian has access to funds and support. Clear documentation of willingness to serve by prospective guardians and a well-aligned estate plan increases the likelihood that a court will honor the parents’ choices and facilitates a smoother transition should the need arise.
Yes, parents can and should name multiple individuals in a prioritized order, including alternate guardians. Naming alternates prepares for situations where the primary nominee is unwilling or unable to serve. Alternates provide continuity and reduce the need for emergency court proceedings to find a suitable guardian. Listing priorities and briefly explaining reasons for choices can help courts understand parental intent and make appointments consistent with those wishes if appropriate. It is also beneficial to confirm willingness from nominated individuals ahead of time and to document any agreements. Written confirmation or informal acceptance can be included in your planning records to show that the nominees understand the responsibilities. Regularly reviewing these choices and updating alternates as circumstances change will keep the nomination effective and aligned with your family’s current needs.
Including financial provisions with a guardianship nomination is highly advisable because a guardian may need access to funds to support a child’s day-to-day needs and long-term expenses. Trusts, pour-over wills, and trustee appointments allow parents to designate how assets should be managed and distributed for a child’s benefit, which reduces administrative burdens on a guardian who may be focused on caregiving. A trustee can manage assets and make distributions according to instructions set by the parents, ensuring both immediate care and long-term financial security. Providing clear trustee instructions, allowable expense categories, and distribution timing helps maintain the child’s standard of living while preserving assets for future needs. Families with special needs children or significant assets should consider tailored trust arrangements to protect eligibility for public benefits and ensure appropriate supplemental support. Discussing financial coordination during the planning stage prevents gaps between the guardian’s caregiving obligations and access to resources.
To ensure a guardian can access medical information and make healthcare decisions, include advance health care directives and HIPAA authorizations in your estate plan. An advance health care directive designates someone to make medical decisions if parents are incapacitated, while a HIPAA authorization permits healthcare providers to release protected information to designated individuals. Together, these documents enable timely access to medical records and empower a guardian or appointed decision-maker to obtain necessary information and act in the child’s best interest. Make copies of these documents available to pediatricians, schools, and nominated guardians, and store originals in a secure, accessible location. Inform the nominated guardian about their designation and provide them with copies so they can present the documents to healthcare providers when needed. Regularly review these authorizations to ensure they remain up to date with current contacts and providers.
If your named guardian moves away or becomes unable to serve, having alternates named in your nomination helps ensure continuity of care. It is important to update your nomination promptly to reflect changes in nominees’ availability, health, or willingness to serve. Regular reviews of your estate plan and proactive communication with nominees prevent last-minute uncertainty and reduce the likelihood of contested appointments or emergency court involvement. In cases where circumstances change unexpectedly, courts will consider the most current evidence of parental intent and the child’s best interests. Keeping clear, updated documentation and notifying trusted family members and potential guardians about your plans helps ensure that the court can follow your intentions and appoint someone who is both willing and able to provide stable care.
You should review guardianship nominations and related estate documents regularly and after major life events such as births, marriages, divorces, moves, changes in health, or significant shifts in financial circumstances. Regular review ensures nominees remain appropriate and that financial and healthcare provisions still reflect your wishes. Updating documents reduces ambiguity and demonstrates ongoing parental intent, which can be valuable if a court must consider the nomination in the future. At a minimum, consider a review every few years. However, more frequent reviews are sensible when there are rapid family changes or evolving needs for the child. Maintaining current contact information and written confirmations from nominated guardians helps ensure a smoother transition if a guardianship appointment becomes necessary.
Yes, guardianship nominations can be contested by other family members or interested parties, particularly in cases where multiple relatives have strong claims or where there are disputes about the best interests of the child. Clear, well-documented nominations, evidence of a nominee’s willingness to serve, and cohesive estate planning documents reduce the risk and complexity of contested proceedings. Courts evaluate nominations within the context of the child’s best interests, so unambiguous documentation of parental intent is helpful in disputed situations. To minimize contest risk, coordinate nominations with trusts and trustee appointments, provide written explanations for choices when appropriate, and keep documents updated. When possible, communicate your decisions with family members and potential nominees so expectations are clear. Careful planning and documentation reduce the likelihood of prolonged litigation and help courts honor parental preferences when appropriate.
When planning for a child with special needs, nominations should be coordinated with specialized trust arrangements and benefits planning to protect eligibility for government programs while providing supplemental support. Special needs trusts can hold assets without disqualifying the child from public benefits, and trustees can be instructed to pay for needs that enhance quality of life. Naming a guardian who is familiar with the child’s therapies and services is important, and drafting clear directions about care preferences helps maintain continuity. Families should address medical, educational, and therapeutic needs in writing and coordinate with professionals who understand benefits programs. A combined approach using nominations, trusts, and clear healthcare directives helps ensure the child receives consistent care and financial support that complements available public resources.
A nomination in a will provides important evidence of parental intent but may not be sufficient on its own to manage a child’s financial needs. Wills must typically go through probate, which can delay access to funds. For immediate and ongoing financial support, pairing a nomination with trusts or other arrangements that provide timely access to assets is often recommended. A trust can provide structured distributions and avoid some of the delays associated with probate, ensuring a guardian can meet the child’s needs promptly. Consider combining a pour-over will with a trust so that any assets not already transferred are moved into a trust after probate, and name a trustee to manage funds for the child. This coordination helps bridge the gap between guardianship and financial support, providing a practical solution that meets both short-term and long-term needs.
Communicating guardianship choices to family members requires sensitivity and clarity to avoid conflict. Start with private conversations with prospective guardians to confirm willingness and discuss expectations. Once nominees have accepted, share your plan with other close family members in a straightforward, factual way, focusing on the child’s welfare and the reasons behind your choices. Providing copies of key documents to trusted individuals can also reduce uncertainty and speculation. Avoid confrontational or emotional debates about whom to name; emphasize that the choices are intended to preserve continuity and the child’s best interests. If family tensions are likely, consider facilitating a mediated conversation or working with a planner to present the plan in a neutral, structured manner that helps maintain relationships while protecting the child’s future.
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