Why Should I Create a Will?
A will is not intended only for older individuals, the terminally ill, or individuals with high-value estates. Creating a will is an active part of planning for your future, no matter what your current state of health or wealth may be. Your children, your relatives, and ultimately your legacy will be served best by setting aside the time to formally record your medical requests and end-of-life wishes. Take a moment to consider the following reasons why.
Empower Your Loved Ones
Losing a family member or having one fall dangerously ill is a difficult matter for everyone involved. Grief comes in many forms and phases, and every individual requires different amounts of time and effort to re-adapt to daily life. If you have a spouse, he or she will be trying to bear the weight of a lost partner while comforting, and perhaps supporting, any children you may have together.
A will empowers your loved ones. Should you become incapacitated or terminally ill, your family may take comfort in knowing the treatment being administered is what you would have wanted. Upon your death, the assets you have outlined to be distributed among your heirs may send a comforting message. You may wish to include individual letters to your heirs as part of your will specifically for this reason.
Avoid Intestate
If you die at any age without establishing a testamentary will, your estate becomes intestate. This means that the state will assign an administrator to distribute your assets and manage your estate. A state-appointed official managing a loved one's personal belongings so soon after death can cause your family to feel invaded and can add to existing stress levels.
Avoid Probate
In the event of your death, a properly authorized and legally binding will relieves your family of expensive and drawn-out legal proceedings. Without a will, probate court will handle your estate settlement. Under these circumstances, state-appointed lawyers, court dates, and administrative duties can become very expensive and may prolong an otherwise painful process. The distribution of your assets will be based on a legal formula and may leave family members feeling slighted. This often leads to contested inheritances and family conflicts.
A will is a valuable investment of time. Consider the impact on your loved ones if the unexpected should occur today. Your thoughtful investment will not only be felt and appreciated, but it will most likely create a more positive future following a difficult experience.
