August Is National Make-a-Will Month: Here's Why It Matters
Here's the truth:
A Will isn't about age or wealth. It's about making sure the people you love aren't left with confusion, conflict, or court proceedings when they're already grieving.
What a Will actually does
A Will is a legal document that answers three essential questions:
1- Who gets what?
Your Will specifies how your belongings, home, car, savings, and personal items should be distributed.
2- Who takes care of your children or pets?
Your Will names the guardian you trust to care for them.
3- Who carries out your wishes?
Your Will names an executor, the person responsible for making sure your instructionsare followed.
What happens if you don't have a Will?
Without a Will, your estate goes through "intestate" succession. That means:
- State law determines who inherits your assets (which may not align with your wishes)
- Courts may appoint someone to manage your estate (who may not be your first choice)
- Family disagreements can arise over who gets what
- The process takes longer and can be more expensive
- If you have minor children, a court decides who raises them
A Will prevents all of this by putting you in control.
"I don't have much, do I still need a Will?"
Yes. A Will isn't just for people with large estates. If you have a car, a bank account, personal belongings with sentimental value,children or pets, or opinions about who should (or shouldn't) inherit from you, then you have reasons to create a Will.
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A Will prevents all of this by putting you in control.
"I don't have much, do I still need a Will?"
Yes. A Will isn't just for people with large estates. If you have a car, a bank account, personal belongings with sentimental value,children or pets, or opinions about who should (or shouldn't) inherit from you, then you have reasons to create a Will.
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