A will is a fundamental estate planning document. It outlines how you wish your property to be distributed, who should handle matters related to settling your estate, and who you want to care for your children after you pass, among other things.
If you don't yet have a will, you're not alone. According to a recent survey by Caring.com, 64% of Americans think having a will is important, but only 32% have one. There are many reasons people put off drafting a will — here are four that you might relate to.
1. Just haven't gotten around to it
It's easy to procrastinate when it comes to drafting a will. Even if it's something you think you should do, it's probably not high on the list of things you want to do. Perhaps you're uncomfortable thinking about your own mortality, or maybe you're worried about how complicated or costly the process will be.
Focusing on some of the benefits of having a will might give you the motivation you need to get started. A will is a way to make sure your loved ones are cared for and that your last wishes are honored. A legally binding will gives you more control over what happens to your property and helps ensure that your treasured possessions end up in the right hands. You can name an executor or personal representative who you believe will responsibly handle the details of settling your estate. And having a will is especially important if you have minor children and want to protect them by naming a guardian who will best be able to handle the responsibility of raising them.
If making these decisions sounds daunting, there's help available. An estate planning attorney can help address your concerns and guide you through the process.
2. It's not the right time
Too young? Not married? Childless? In good health? Not wealthy enough? People often think it's not the right time to draft a will, but there's no better time than now. Most adults have money or possessions that they would like to leave to someone, and waiting until the circumstances seem perfect is risky. Health problems may come on suddenly, and trying to draft a will at that time can be stressful. Even worse, if you suddenly become incapacitated, it may be too late.
Your life will inevitably change as the years pass, and any will drafted now can (and should) be reviewed and revised occasionally to account for family and financial changes.
3. Don't think it's important
Unless you have personal experience with settling an estate, you may underestimate the consequences of dying without a will (called dying intestate). Decisions will be made by the court on your behalf, and your property will be distributed according to the laws of your state. Who is entitled to your assets will depend on those laws, and handling that when there is no will can be especially complicated, time-consuming, stressful, and expensive for your family.
4. Family dynamics are complex
Putting off drafting a will might seem logical when you are facing deep-rooted family issues or complicated situations. Why not just leave it to others to sort out after you're gone? Unfortunately, not having a legal document that outlines your specific intentions can make an already difficult situation worse. Leaving the disposition of your assets up to the court to decide may have unintended consequences for family members and lead to irreparable rifts or even litigation.
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A will is only part of an estate plan
Finally, as important as a will is, it's just one component of your estate plan. You may need other legal documents such as trusts, powers of attorney, and advance medical directives to fully address your needs. Ask an estate planning attorney to evaluate your individual situation and help you put a plan in place.