Top Reasons Not to Die Without a Will
By M. Kotch
The idea of sitting down to write one’s own will seems necessary at best and morbid at worst. Of course you and I realize that no matter how much—or little—property we own, it is our duty to ensure it is left to the ones we wish. If you have never thought of writing a will, answer the following questions: Would you leave you cell phone, house keys and credit cards unattended for others to take advantage of? As a parent would you go on an extended trip without making sure that a family member or guardian that you trust is in charge of your child’s safety and welfare? The answers are obvious and should make it clear to all of us, no matter how unpleasant the thought of our own passing, or our notions of the superstitious, creating a will is the responsible and logical thing to do for our loved ones.
Writing your will need not be an overwhelming undertaking or a seemingly bad omen. To help you, we’ve listed the top reasons not to die without a will.
• It’s Easier Than Ever
If you enjoy a relationship with a family lawyer, then all you have to do is pick up the phone and say you’d like to discuss creating a will. Need an attorney? Do a simple search for estate attorneys in your area or ask friends or family members for their recommendations. Looking for something even simpler? Thanks to a boom in Web-based services you can now create a simple (and in some cases free) will online. Examples of such sites include: legalzoom.com and rocketlawyer.com.
• Family
Creating your will is imperative for the welfare of your family—especially if you have children under the age of 18. Choosing a guardian for your kids is an important decision you will have to reach as a parent. But turning your wishes into a legal reality can make all the difference in the world. After all, what good is simply telling your best friend you would like her to take care of you children in the event of your death if she then to has fight it out in court one day? When both parents die without naming a legal guardian for the their kids, this creates a situation that can leave children vulnerable to foster care and even being separated from their siblings. Whether you decide on leaving your children under the care of a family member or friend, choosing a legal guardian and putting that in writing can spare your children more grief after your passing.
• Property
No matter your age or how much wealth and property you have accumulated, you have the right to see it go the people of your choosing. A seemingly insignificant item can become a family heirloom one day, or a musical nephew can receive your favorite guitar, for example; no item is too small to think of. On the other hand, the more property you own the more important it is to ensure it is kept intact or broken up according to your wishes. More complicated wills can set up trusts for you children’s (and even grandchildren’s) college funds and limit anyone’s ability to take advantage of your money when you’ve passed on.
• Make Your Wishes Crystal Clear
From deciding on the style of your memorial service to the exact location of your burial, a will allows you to specifically state your funeral preferences very clearly. Other important issues you can clarify in your living will? Whether or not you would like to be an organ donor, how or when you wish to be resuscitated in case of unconsciousness and designating power of attorney.
Whatever type of will you decide on (be it a last will and testament, living trust or living will), don’t put it off. Writing your will provides a way to take care of the ones you love and can make the mourning process easier on them when the time comes.
