Writing a will isn’t just for the wealthy. Regardless of your age, wealth, marital status, etc., having a will is the best way to ensure that your estate is transferred to your beneficiaries and wishes are carried out as you desire.
Dying without a will can lead to severe conflicts within your family and other beneficiaries, creating a lengthy and possibly expensive process to determine who gets what from your estate.
Even if you are not wealthy, having a will will help to ease the stress and challenges that can occur when you die. Below are the top reasons everyone needs a will, regardless of wealth.
What Is A Will?
A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your property and assets distributed when you die. If someone dies without a will, they have died intestate, which in Alabama means your assets will go to your closest relatives under state “intestate succession” laws.
Top Reasons Why You Need A Will, Even If You Aren’t Wealthy
You can work with an estate planning attorney knowledgeable about Alabama laws to ensure your will is done thoroughly and correctly. They will also help you understand the different types of wills and help you determine which type of will is best for you.
#1. Your Will ensures that your estate will be distributed as you wish.
When you work with an estate planning attorney to write your will, you can list beneficiaries, including specifying who receives which assets, property, and sentimental items. This is the best way to ensure that your loved ones and estate are cared for according to your wishes after death. If you die without a will, your estate will be distributed in accordance with the Alabama Code.
#2. You may select a guardian of your choice to care for your minor children.
If you have children, you need a will. Without one, the court will be left no guidance in deciding who will be the guardian of your children in the event of your death or the simultaneous death of both parents. Determining who the guardian will be for your children is crucial as they make decisions regarding housing, education, healthcare, and essential choices. A Court will still need to determine who will have the care, custody, and control of your children, but selecting a guardian in your Will is compelling.
#3. Your Will ensures that you designate someone to manage your estate.
Even if you’re not wealthy and have few assets, you still want someone you trust to help with your matters and estate, including closing bank accounts, selling your house, and other essential issues when you die. When you write a Will, you can also name the executor of your estate. Without a Will, the court will decide, and for various reasons, it may be a person you would not have chosen. Please don’t leave it up to the courts to determine who the executor of your estate will be.
#4. If you die without a will, there will be more expenses and stress on your family and beneficiaries.
Dying without a will leaves everything up to the court to determine, leading to a time-consuming and costly process. It can also create conflict within your family and your beneficiaries and even leave out someone you would have wanted to be included. Talk with an estate planning attorney about establishing a trust to avoid probate altogether.
#5. Even when you aren’t wealthy, dying without a will can lead to hurt feelings and disputes.
Even with minimal assets, family members often have differing views on how everything should be distributed. This can lead to friction and create rifts within the family dynamics for years. Writing a will eliminates the need for the beneficiaries and family members to navigate dividing up what you leave behind.
#6. You can update your will as needed.
As circumstances change, you can adjust your will to revise your beneficiaries or change guardianship to reflect your current choices.
#7. Ensure your pets are cared for by someone you trust.
Your furry babies are essential members of your family, and you can leave them in the care of someone willing and able to care for them as you would. You can even leave money to care for them.
#8. You can leave assets and property to the charity of your choice.
Whether you want to leave a car, property, art, or money to your favorite charity, having a will in place before you die is the only way to ensure that your assets go to the individuals or organizations you choose.
#9. Outline your funeral plans in your will.
Even if you don’t have money or property to leave in your will, you can outline your funeral plans to help reduce the stress of your family or friends with easy-to-follow instructions about your wishes. You can include every detail, including naming your funeral, executor, and specific requests for your burial, cremation, and final resting place.
#10. You can name a digital executor in your will.
Almost everyone has digital accounts, including email, Facebook, Instagram, digital photos, and videos or websites. These digital accounts require login and password information, which you can leave available to your digital executor, along with instructions on handling your digital account.
Hire The Best Estate Planning Attorney In Baldwin County, Brackin Law Firm
Whether you are wealthy and have a vast estate with multiple properties, financial and other types of assets, or have minimal assets, Brackin Law Firm is here to help ensure your will is clear and concise regarding your wishes at the time of your death.
At Brackin Law Firm, we treat all our clients with compassion and respect. We are here to provide you with all your legal representation needs, including estate planning, family and divorce law, automobile accidents, DUI and criminal issues, and more for over 40 years.
Contact us today for a consultation and legal representation with an attorney you can trust.