Who owns the junior ISA? How to protect your child’s money from unexpected life events

What happens to your child’s junior ISA if you get divorced or move abroad? And what are their rights in the tragic event that a parent dies? We look at who owns the junior ISA, and the rules you need to know to protect it.

Young girl carrying piggy bank.
(Image credit: Getty Images - Peter Cade)

If you are a parent, then your child is probably your greatest joy and your biggest worry. And, as you lie awake at night, it is possible that you have given some thought to their financial future. Maybe you have even opened a junior ISA to help prepare them for the tough financial environment they will have to navigate once they turn 18. 

The cost of living has skyrocketed in recent years, making things difficult for the young and old alike. Interest rates have increased in tandem with inflation – and this has made it more challenging than ever for young people to get on the property ladder. On top of this, it is now estimated that younger savers will need a £1 million pension pot to fund a comfortable retirement. 

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up
Katie Williams
Staff Writer

Katie has a background in investment writing and is interested in everything to do with personal finance, politics, and investing. She enjoys translating complex topics into easy-to-understand stories to help people make the most of their money.

Katie believes investing shouldn’t be complicated, and that demystifying it can help normal people improve their lives.

Before joining the MoneyWeek team, Katie worked as an investment writer at Invesco, a global asset management firm. She joined the company as a graduate in 2019. While there, she wrote about the global economy, bond markets, alternative investments and UK equities.

Katie loves writing and studied English at the University of Cambridge. Outside of work, she enjoys going to the theatre, reading novels, travelling and trying new restaurants with friends.