What is a Will?

A will is a legal document that outlines your wishes for the distribution of your assets and property after you pass away. It allows you to name an executor, who will be responsible for carrying out your instructions, and to choose beneficiaries who will receive your assets. A will can also specify your preferences for the care of any minor children you have. A will also allows you to plan for the future and consider the needs of your loved ones after you're gone. If you have specific wishes for your assets or want to ensure your children are cared for in a certain way, creating a will is an essential step in achieving these goals. Essentially a will is a guidebook of how you want your estate divided after your passing. 

Without a will, your assets will be distributed according to state law, which may not align with your wishes or preferences. Additionally, the distribution process can become more complicated and expensive, potentially causing disputes among family members.

Creating a will can give you peace of mind knowing that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes and can help prevent family disagreements. However, there is a common misconception about wills and that having one avoids probate. This is NOT the case. A will acts only as the instruction manual for the court.

You need to have a will to save your family time, money, and sometimes a loss of familial harmony. In sum, a will is a great planning tool to help dictate how you want your assets distributed after death and allows you to have a voice about your estate after you’ve passed.