Losing your parents is a sad and painful experience, to say the least. Both my wife and I lost our parents within the last few years. The process of settling their estates has been another experience itself – actually, two very different experiences.
My wife’s parents had a legally executed Last Will and Testament. Working with an attorney, she and her siblings were able to settle the estate within a few months and with no stress or strained relations.
In contrast, my dad’s Will was an unsigned D-I-Y version we found in a file which the court would not recognize. More than 3 years later, the probate remains unsettled and family relationships have been irreparably damaged. No doubt, Dad would be very unhappy with the situation.
Which of these scenarios would you prefer for your family?
Here are 3 reasons you should have a solid Last Will and Testament:
- A Will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes – not by a judge or someone else who may not know or care what you truly want.
- A Will allows you to appoint guardians for your minor children. You probably don’t want just anyone making this decision for you.
- A Will helps minimize conflicts and disputes among your loved ones. Don’t risk adding to their grief the potential for fussing and fighting over what you leave behind.
Finally, don’t be cheap. Hire an attorney to draft your Will. Your heirs will be grateful.