Here’s why you should have a will

Making a will is one of those things in life that’s easy to put off. You either think you’re too young to have a will or the very idea of thinking about your eventual death and its repercussions is too much to take. As hard as it might be, having a will is one of the most vital things you can do for your family and for yourself.

Here are several reasons why:

• You are saving your family the hassle and heartache of going through a protracted probate process. By having a will, the courts know your wishes, and the process can move forward smoothly.
• Yes, death and taxes are the two constant in life. But by having a will, you can avoid many estate taxes, meaning your heirs (be it charity or family) will net more of what you leave them.
• Your will puts you in control of your legacy. What do you want to leave behind? Who do you want to leave it to? When do you want your estate divided? It’s all in your hands.
• If you have children, having a will becomes even more important. That’s because your will can state where you want your children to go and who will take care of them in the event of your passing.

The one thing you don’t want to do is wait until it’s too late, when an unexpected death or disability takes all of these important decisions out of your hands and gives them to the courts. If you are ready to draw up your will, it may be a good idea to contact an attorney to help you through the process.