Make a Will – top 10 reasons why!

Make a Will!  It’s arguably one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family.  We’ll give you the top 10 reasons why you need to make a Will today.

Not only can a Will legally protect your spouse or loved one, children and assets, it can also spell out exactly how

you would like things handled after you have passed on.

While each person’s situation varies, here are the top 10 reasons to make a Will, today:

Reason 1: You decide how your estate will be distributed when you make a Will .

A Will is a legally-binding document that lets you decide how you would like your estate to be handled upon your death. If you die without a Will,

there is no guarantee that your intended desires will be carried out. If you make a Will, you will help to minimise any

family fights about your estate that may arise and you can determines who, what, and when your

beneficiaries will get their share of your estate.

Reason 2: You decide who will take care of your minor children.

When you make a Will, it allows you to make an informed decision about who should take care of your minor children. If you don’t make a Will, the court will

take it upon itself to choose among family members or a state-appointed guardian. Making a Will

allows you to appoint the person you want to raise your children or, better, make sure it is not

someone you do not want to raise your children.

Reason 3: Make a Will to avoid a lengthy probate process.

Contrary to common belief, almost all estates must go through the probate process, with or without a Will. If you make a Will, however, it can help speed up the probate process and informs the court how you’d like your estate divided.

Probate courts serve the purpose of administering your estate, and when you die without a Will (known as dying intestate), the court will

decide how to divide your estate, which can also cause long, stressful delays.

Reason 4: You decide who will wind up the affairs of your estate.

When you make a Will, executors (named in the Will) make sure all your affairs are in order, including paying off bills, cancelling your credit cards, and notifying the bank and other business establishments. Because executors play the biggest role in the administration of your

estate, you’ll want to be sure to appoint someone who is honest, trust-worthy, and organised (which

may or may not always be a family member).

Reason 5: You can disinherit individuals who would otherwise stand to inherit.

Most people do not realise that when you do make a Will, you can disinherit individuals out of your estate. Yes, you

may wish to disinherit individuals who may otherwise inherit your estate if you die without making a

Will. As Wills specifically outline how you would like your estate distributed, if you don’t make a

Will, your estate might end up in the wrong hands or in the hands of someone you did not intend.

Reason 6: Make gifts and donations when you make a Will.

The ability to make gifts is a good reason to make a Will because it allows your legacy to live on and reflect your personal values and interests.

Reason 7: Make a Will to avoid greater legal challenges.

If you die without a Will, part or all of your estate may pass to someone you did not intend. One example involved the estate of a deceased son who was awarded

over $1 million from a negligence law claim. When the son died, the son’s father (who had not been a

part of his son’s life for over 32 years) stood to inherit the entire estate, leaving close relatives and

siblings out of the picture.

Reason 8: Because you can change your mind if your life circumstances change.

A good reason to make a Will is that you can change it at any time while you’re still alive. Life changes, such as

births, deaths, and divorce, can create situations where changing your Will is necessary.

Reason 9: Make a Will because tomorrow is not promised.

Procrastination and the unwillingness to accept death as part of life are common reasons for not writing a Will. Sometimes the realisation that Wills are

necessary comes too late such as when an unexpected death or disability or incapacity occurs. To

avoid the added stress on families during an already emotional time, it may be wise to get a basic estate plan drawn up at the minimum, before it’s too late and make a Will – today!

Reason 10: If you don’t have a Will, the law will decide who gets your estate

– and it might not be who you would want.”  

  • Take CONTROL!
  • PROTECT your assets!
  • Give your family and yourself PEACE OF MIND!

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