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If you’re like most people, you aren’t eager to spend time thinking about what would happen if you became unable to direct your own medical care because of illness, an accident, or advanced age. However, if you don’t do at least a little bit of planning — writing down your wishes about the kinds of […]

Your health care directives — including your living will and power of attorney for health care — might be the most important estate planning documents you ever make. Giving your family clear, written direction about your end-of-life wishes can spare them anguish — and make sure you get the kind of care you want. With […]

The 4 legal documents every adult should have One part of being responsible to your family and friends is having the right legal documents in place to protect them if something happens to you. Most people procrastinate doing this because they think it’ll be expensive or time consuming–and, of course, preparing for tragedy isn’t cheery.…

5 Reasons You Need a Will in 2020

A Will is essential for just about everyone. Fortunately, making a legally binding Last Will and Testament is not nearly as complicated as most people believe it to be. Having a Will can help spare your loved ones from a lengthy ordeal with state probate courts, who will then decide how to disperse your assets according to state rules – instead of according to your final wishes. Here are a few additional important reasons to make out a will ASAP:

You need to appoint someone to handle your affairs after you “ditch this joint”.

You’ll need to appoint one honest and trustworthy individual to be the executor of your estate. (Note: It does not have to be a member of your family.) The executor or executrix is responsible for inventorying your assets and property, making sure any lingering debts and taxes (including estate taxes) are paid, properly dispersing your assets, and informing your banks and creditors that you are deceased, as well as guiding your estate through probate court. (Note: All assets are officially dispersed through probate court, regardless of whether there is a will or not, but having a will in place makes this process much simpler.) If you do not choose an executor, the state will appoint one for you, and anyone can petition the court to hold this position.

If you don’t have a legally binding will, the state will decide who gets what.

An “oral will” (final requests spoken aloud in front of witnesses) and a “holographic will” (a document drawn up by you without the presence of witnesses) may not have much legal bearing in court. A formally prepared Will signed by two, or sometimes three witnesses, can be the best way to ensure that your money and assets are left to the heirs you intend to leave them to. Intestacy laws vary from state by state, but in the event that there is no Will, a person’s assets are usually awarded to immediate family first (spouse, children, and parents). If there is no remaining immediate family, your assets are often dispersed between your siblings and their children, or your grandparents, or your uncles and aunts and their children.

A Will establishes legal guardianship of your children if they are still minors.

Parents of young children should be especially proactive about making a will, because a Will establishes who your children’s guardians would be in the event that you (or you and your spouse) “ditch this joint earlier than planned”. If there is no Will in place, that decision is also left to the state. If you have a trust, a business, or a large amount of assets you would like to divide up between your children now or when they reach a certain age, your Will should make your intentions clear.

If you live in a community property state.

It’s important to mention that some states (Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin), consider property that is owned by a married couple as “community property,” meaning that any assets purchased during the marriage are owned equally by both husband and wife (this also includes any debts). If one of you dies without a Will specifying who gets what, the intestacy laws of your state will decide for you.

You can amend your Will at any time.

If your marital status changes, or you decide you’d like to update the names of your beneficiaries, your Will can be formally amended at any time. You can simply draft a new Will or attach a Codicil to your existing Will. Do note that some states also require Wills and Codicils to be notarized, so be sure to consult the intestacy laws of your specific state. In either case, having your Will notarized can only enhance its legitimacy.

Interested in DIY options? Check out this article.

Got the Book?

You have your choice of two options. Yup I’m Dead…Now What? or Yup I’m Dead…Now What? The Deluxe Edition.

What’s the difference? The Deluxe Edition contains the 30 Day Challenge along with additional forms, resources, shortcuts and tips. The regular version refers to the website to download these items. Whichever option you choose, you just need to choose one! Don’t delay. This is one of the most important things you can do for your Loved Ones.

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Lena

My Husband George and I were finally able to get our affairs in order due to your website and Book....

Lena

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2016-05-03T18:05:39-05:00

Lena

My Husband George and I were finally able to get our affairs in order due to your website and Book. I can't thank you enough. We had talked about it for years and didn't know where to start. We followed The 30 Day Challenge and finished in less than 30 days! Thanks again!

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Holy Moly! This Book is just what I needed to get my crap together. My Family is thankful that they...

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2016-05-03T18:07:52-05:00

Amanda

Holy Moly! This Book is just what I needed to get my crap together. My Family is thankful that they have my documents, plans and final wishes all in one place. Plus, I bought one for My Mother and used your guide to walk her through. Truly an invaluable gift for all!

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Thank you for helping and nudging me to get my crap together. Love that you provide support and that I...

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2016-05-03T18:24:44-05:00

Anabelle

Thank you for helping and nudging me to get my crap together. Love that you provide support and that I can actually get in contact with you when I have questions.
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