You may not look forward to planning for your death, but it is a crucial part of life. Making decisions now may go a long way for saving your family time, money and further heartbreak after you die.
A will is one piece of an estate plan that affords you the chance to make decisions that may not only ease your family’s pain but also protects them. Discover some of the ways a will may do more than bequeath your possessions after your death.
Appoint guardians
As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure your children are well cared for throughout the course of their young lives. Should you die without a will and your children are under 18, they may go through the state foster system before eventual placement with a relative. A will allows you to designate a guardian, the person or persons you want to raise your children should you die. Choosing a guardian for your children is one of the most critical things you can do in a will.
Choose heirs
A will gives you control over who inherits from your estate. If you die without doing this, anyone who can prove they have a blood tie to you may inherit. This opens the floodgates for those family members you may not speak with to benefit from your death. These folks may take away vital resources and heirlooms you intend to leave to others.
Creating a will should give you peace of mind that your family will continue on your intended path. While your estate may not totally avoid probate, having a credible will goes a long way in helping those you love to get closure.