Why Have A Will

Gifts To Your Beloveds.

A will is an essential legal document that conveys everything you acquired and own. At the time of your passing, the law declares that you have transferred your estate to whom and how your will directs.  Your estate is what you own at the time of passing. It may give your assets in bulk and at the same ensure a specific person gets a specific item of jewelry or a vehicle.  It can tell someone how much you appreciate and care for them and at what age they will receive a certain thing.

Protection of your loved ones.

Without a valid will in place, the distribution of your assets is decided by the state law of inheritance, which may not honor your wishes or those of your loved ones. For example, you may have married very early, had a child and that relationship may have become estranged and you may have married again and had a loving relationship for 40 years during which acquired assets and paid off a house. Without a will your spouse will keep her one-half of the house, but your half will go to the child along with your half of all of all of the money you saved for retirement and investments. Worse, they are joint owners and their signature will be required to sell, if they can be found. Because they are joint owners, a partition suite may be required. Having a will can eliminate that potential as well as potential disagreements among the surviving family members. By clearly designating who inherits what, you reduce the chance of family division and disputes that can otherwise emerge in already emotionally challenging times. The will appoints an executor as well as alternative executors and directs them how you want them to administer the estate and provides the court to oversee their conduct as executor.

Provision for the Physical Care of Minors

If you have minor children, a will allows you to appoint a guardian of your choice. Without a Will, the court has no information from you about who you believe should be appointed to care for your children. This critical aspect underscores why young parents, in particular, should create a will, to support your children’s well-being and the likely continuation of your parental choices.

Provision for the Financial Care of Minors and Children With More Needs

You can create a trust in the will for children with special needs as well as for those under 18.  The trust directs the trustee to make separate trusts for each child, tells them to provide for the educational, medical and living needs of the children and specifies at what age to distribute their share. The will can contain a spendthrift provision which prevents creditors from taking the inheritances.

Your Plans Are Insured

What you want to happen regarding the distribution of your estate is set out in a written legally enforceable document recorded in the county records.

Business Succession

For business owners, a will can serve as a succession plan, determining who takes over the business. It allows for a smooth transition, ensuring that your enterprise continues to flourish even in your absence.

Charitable Contributions

A will allows you to leave a lasting legacy through charitable contributions. Without a will, such personalized bequests would be impossible. If there are causes you are passionate about, a Will enables you to support them even after your death.

An Act of Kindness

At the time a will takes effect your beloveds are already weakened by suffering. Taking control through a will lifts some of the burden. Your wishes are, creating a legally binding will that is essential to ensure your loved ones are honored that your wishes are respected and that any disputes between family members or other people named in the document are resolved without contention.