Why Do I Need a Will?
Six out of 10 people don’t have a will. If you’re reading this, you probably don’t have one either—and you’re probably wondering if that’s the best category to be in.
Spoiler alert: It isn’t.
We’re going to break down exactly what a will can do to protect you, your family and your stuff, so you’ll never have to wonder, “Why do I need a will?” again.
It Gives You Control
Unexpected things happen— and they can happen to any of us.
A will gives you and your family a plan to deal with the unexpected. It starts by giving you control over your stuff. Stating exactly what you want to happen with the things you own protects your grieving loved ones.
It allows you to decide what the game plan is. You can pick the executor (the person who carries out your wishes) and the beneficiaries (the people who get your stuff). So your family can move forward with confidence, knowing they're doing things exactly how you would have wanted.
It Keeps Your Family Out of Probate Court
Imagine that you didn’t make all those decisions. You didn’t give your family a game plan. You didn’t specify who gets what.
And then, God forbid, something happened to you. Now your loved ones are grieving, they’re scared, and they’re headed for probate court.
Probate is the process of giving your stuff to the right people, paying your debts and handling other legal matters after you die. Probate court is what happens when you die without a will. Basically it means that since you haven’t put your after-death wishes in writing, the courts settle your estate for you.
Making a will is the best way to state what you want to happen and to provide for your loved ones, instead of letting the state make that decision for you.
A Will Is Worth Having
Hopefully by now you know that you are in the stage of life when you need a will—whether that stage is young and single, married with five kids or enjoying your Golden Years.
But just in case you missed it, here’s a quick recap. You need a will if you:
- Have dependent children
- Have any money to your name
- Own anything valuable (house, car, electronics, jewelry, etc.)
- Want to give gifts to family, friends or charities in the event of your death
So basically if you’re over 18 and breathing (which is probably the case since you’re reading this) you need a will!
It’s quick, easy and affordable to make your will online. In only a few minutes, you can get a legitimate, legally binding will and powers of attorney for $129.
If you’re anything like the average American, that’s less than half of what you spend on entertainment in a month—only instead of a few laughs or a nice night out, you’re getting a document that will give you peace and protect your family’s future.