August is here, and you know what that means—summer’s winding down, pumpkin spice is creeping back onto shelves, and, most importantly, it’s National Make a Will Month! It’s the perfect time to talk about something incredibly important yet often overlooked. Taking care of your will is like giving yourself a permission slip to stop worrying. It’s an act of love for your family and a gift to yourself: the gift of peace of mind.
Why Bother with a Will?
As an estate planning attorney, I’ve heard every reason in the book for putting this off. They usually boil down to a handful of classics:
- “It’s too expensive.”
- “It takes too long.”
- “I don’t have anything to leave behind.”
- “I don’t even know where to begin.”
Trust me, I’ve heard them all. But after years of helping people navigate this process, I can tell you exactly why those reasons just don’t hold up.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
Let’s talk about the money excuse first. I’ve seen countless families get tangled up in probate court, a costly and time-consuming process that happens when someone passes away without a will. Without a clear plan, the court has to step in and decide how to distribute your assets, and believe me, they take a big slice of the pie.
I once worked with a family whose loved one didn’t have a will. The ensuing legal battle dragged on for over a year and ate up more than $100,000 in legal fees. By the time it was all over, the family was left with next to nothing. A little upfront planning could have saved them from that financial and emotional nightmare.
Time Is on Your Side
Another myth is that creating a will is time-consuming. In reality, making a will can be straightforward and affordable, especially when you consider the peace of mind it brings. Think of it as an investment in your family’s future.
When you partner with an experienced attorney, we can get things done quickly and efficiently. You do a little information gathering at the start, respond to a few emails, and before you know it, you’ll be done. A lot of the heavy lifting is on us.
You Have an Estate, Even If You Don’t Feel Like You Do
Thinking you don’t have enough stuff to justify a will? Think again. If you’re alive, you have an estate. It’s not just about a mansion or a million-dollar stock portfolio. Your estate includes everything you own: your retirement accounts, life insurance policies, that condo you bought, even your car. Without a will, all of those things can get stuck in a messy and expensive legal battle.
Having a will is like having a roadmap for your loved ones. It provides clear instructions on how you want your assets distributed, who should care for your children, and even your preferences for funeral arrangements. This clarity can prevent disputes among family members and ensure that your legacy is preserved as you intended. This is especially true for the many couples I’ve helped who don’t have children.
Another related myth is that young people don’t need a will. But life is unpredictable, and having a will ensures that your assets, no matter how modest, are distributed according to your wishes. Plus, if you have children, a will allows you to designate guardianship, which is crucial.
So, Where Do You Start?
The good news is that starting is the easiest part. You reach out to me. I don’t charge for our initial conversation. We can talk about what’s on your mind, what your hopes are, and what your options are. There’s no pressure, just a friendly chat.
Do yourself and your family a huge favor today. Pick up the phone or shoot me an email to schedule that first meeting. Then, next year, when National Make a Will Month rolls around again, you can kick back, ignore all the reminders, and enjoy the rest of your summer, knowing your future is in good hands.