IF THERE’S A WILL…
There’s a way!!! Do you have a will? Is it current? Having a will is a gift you leave the important people in your life. This makes it easy for your estate to be managed. Your assets – the things you own will go to your loved ones and the important people (or charities) in your life in the way you want. Planners tell us that about 70% of Americans die without a will – not too smart. If you should die without a will, the state will decide who gets what – a financial legacy disaster. Even if you are single, you need a will! But making one is not as easy as it sounds – many decisions must be made. If there are young children, you would need to decide on and pick a custodian – someone who you will trust to take care of your children. Many people look toward their parents (your children’s grandparents) to do this – but sometimes the ages and health of grandparents makes for a difficult choice. Many times they look towards their siblings-but personalities always play a role in this. Not as simple as you think? That’s correct. This is an important decision and important decisions need to be thought out.
You would also need an executor. An executor is entrusted with closing down or winding up someone’s affairs. This can be a large or small task and can be an honor and a burden. Basically, an executor will protect a deceased person’s property until all debts and taxes have been paid and then makes certain what is left is transferred to the people who are supposed to get it.
At first thought, making a will can appear to be a simple process-but as you give thought to who and how you want your children raised, how you want to distribute what you have – it can be very complicated process.
How do you get a will? There are many online tools and legal forms you can access – BUT -I always recommend doing this through an attorney. Rules differ from state to state and it’s worth the investment in a professional to make certain this is done the right way.
Making a will gives you piece of mind that after you die, your assets will go where you want them to. It’s a gift of love and care, a legacy that only you can provide.
