Why Every Adult Should Have a Will: Explained by an Estate Planning Lawyer

Posted on March 05, 2023

As an adult, you may not be thinking about the end of your life. However, it's essential to plan for the inevitable. One way to do this is by creating a will. A will is a legal document that specifies how your assets will be distributed after you die. It also outlines your wishes for your children, pets, and any other dependents. In this blog post, we'll explain why every adult should have a will and how it can benefit you and your loved ones.

Peace of Mind

One of the primary reasons why you should have a will is for peace of mind. By creating a will, you can ensure that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes. This means that you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of after you're gone.

Without a will, your assets may not go to the people you want them to. This can lead to disputes and lengthy legal battles. A will can help minimize the likelihood of disputes and ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

Avoiding Intestacy

Intestacy is the legal term used when a person dies without a will. When this happens, the law dictates how the person's assets will be distributed. This can lead to unintended consequences, such as a spouse not inheriting all of the deceased person's assets, or assets going to family members that the deceased person may not have wanted to inherit them.

By creating a will, you can ensure that your assets are distributed to the people you want to help. You can also specify any charities or other organizations that you wish to leave money to. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones will be taken care of after you're gone.

Choosing an Executor

An executor is the person responsible for carrying out the instructions in your will. They are responsible for managing your assets, paying any debts or taxes, and distributing your assets according to your wishes.

Choosing the right executor is crucial to ensure that your wishes are carried out. It's essential to choose someone who is trustworthy and capable of managing your assets. An estate planning lawyer can help you choose the right executor and provide guidance on their responsibilities.

Protecting Your Children

If you have children, a will can help protect them after you're gone. You can specify who you want to be their guardian if you and your spouse are no longer around. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your children will be taken care of by someone you trust.

You can also set up a trust in your will to manage your children's inheritance until they are old enough to manage it themselves. This can ensure that your children's inheritance is protected and used for their benefit.

Avoiding Probate

Probate is the legal process used to settle a deceased person's estate. This process can be time-consuming and costly, especially if there are disputes or challenges to the will.

By creating a will, you can help avoid probate or minimize the time and expense associated with the process. This can ensure that your assets are distributed quickly and efficiently to your loved ones.

Conclusion

Creating a will is essential for every adult, regardless of age or wealth. It can provide peace of mind knowing that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones will be taken care of after you're gone. By choosing an experienced estate planning lawyer, you can ensure that your will is legally valid and accurately reflects your wishes.

If you're ready to create a will or have any questions about estate planning, please get in touch with DLS Estate Planning LTD. We're a trusted Estate Planning Lawyer in Milton Keynes that offers will, lasting powers of attorney, and estate planning review services. Our team has the expertise and knowledge to help you create a will that accurately reflects your wishes and protects your assets.

Don't wait until it's too late to create a will. Contact us today at 1908 477118 or [email protected] to schedule a consultation. We'll help you create a comprehensive estate plan that provides peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of after you're gone.

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