Why do so many people put off getting a will together? The reasons can vary. Some people feel that thinking about their death is morbid and uncomfortable, and they don’t want to do it. Others may feel that since they are young and in good health, they don’t need to think about their will just yet. However, this is a dangerous mistake to make. Everyone should have a will in place. Below are some of the most important reasons you should make getting a will a priority in your life.
You Have More Control
First, you will have more control when you put together a will. You get to determine who will receive the possessions you have after you pass away. If you don’t have a will, you have virtually no control. The court will be the one that decides what happens with your assets, and they might end up going to people you feel should not get them.
Stay Out of a Long Probate Process
All estates will have to go through the probate process whether they have a will or not. However, when you have a will, there is an advantage because it will speed up the process substantially. It lets the court know how you want the estate to be divided, so you can be sure your final wishes are met.
Ensure Your Minor Children Have the Right Guardian
If you have young children, what will happen to them if you pass away? Typically, if their other parent is alive, they will go to that parent. However, if both parents die, who will take care of the children? If you don’t have a will that specifies what you want to happen, the court will choose from family members or use a state-appointed guardian.
You should be the one who determines who will be the guardian of your children if you have an untimely death. Having a will can help to ensure this.
Now that you understand some of the best reasons to get a will together, it’s time to get started. The first step is to find an attorney in Chicago who excels at estate planning and wills. Talk with the attorneys at Bell & Shah about the options available to you and get started with your plan as soon as possible. It will give you the peace of mind you need.
