About 50% of all Americans over the age of 18 do not have a Will. Most either feel guilty about not having a Will or think they don’t need one. If you don’t have a Will, you need one. In fact, everyone 18 years and older needs his or her own Will.
Why don’t people have a Will? Well, we’ve come to realize that many people view doing their estate planning right up there with going to the dentist. It’s something you know you should do, but you don’t want to deal with it. People don’t like to think about dying. It’s hard for everyone. Often, people just don’t know who to talk to about estate planning or how to get started. Still others don’t think they need a Will.
For all 100% of you who don’t like to think and talk about dying, we all die. No one gets off the planet alive. Dealing with it is a necessary evil. The more you do ahead of time, the better the process will flow. It will be less expensive, easier, and within your control if you plan ahead. For those of you who are unsure of how to get started and talk about it, please contact your estate planning attorney. Your attorney will gently guide you through the entire process.
For those of you who don’t think you need a Will, you do. Every single person age 18 and above needs an estate plan to take care of bills and health care matters should you become incapacitated and to take care of bills, tax returns, social security, distribution of personal assets, canceling credit cards, cable, utilities, and the like after death. A Will also names guardians for minor children.
We deal with these issues and concerns every day. It’s what we do. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your estate planning and your Will. We promise to be gentle. 858-792-5988.