August is National Make A Will Month
August is National Make a Will Month, an important reminder to update or make your will so that you don’t accidentally leave your loved ones unprotected. No one likes to think about their own death - but no one also likes to think they forgot to take the necessary steps to protect the future and security of the people they care about the most. People have many excuses for not making a will or other type of estate plan.
Top 5 Reasons People Don’t Make A Will
I’m too young.
I don’t have enough money.
My spouse and kids will inherit my money anyway.
It costs too much.
I don’t have enough time.
In fact, those excuses for not making a will simply aren’t true and may put your family and loved ones at risk!
If you have a job with benefits, a savings account, a car or other “stuff”, you need a will!
The cost of a will is far far less than the cost of probating your will after you die - money that will not go to your heirs.
It does take some time to accurately draw up a will that ensure your wishes are carried out, but that is the best way to protect your beneficiaries and your assets.
Your spouse and children may inherit your assets - but they might not! Are you divorced, or have other dependents with claims to your estate? Often estates are tied up for years in probate court while the rightful heirs do not get the money they are entitled to.
How can all this be avoided? By setting up an estate plan with legal documents including a will and/or trust.
3 Reasons to Create or Update Your Trust Now
1. If You Die Without A Will, The State Will Decide Who Gets Your Assets
When you die without a will in Georgia, your assets will be distributed according to Georgia’s intestate laws. An estate planning lawyer can help you protect your assets and ensure they are distributed how you want after your death. And, your estate planning attorney can help avoid the time, cost and stress of probate court to settle your estate. You don’t need to be wealthy to use estate planning to protect your family.
2. Protect Your Legacy
You’ve worked hard for your money and to accumulate things that matter to you, and you want to ensure that your assets are used in a way that is important to you. Whether you want to provide for your grandchildren’s education, fund a family vacation home for future generations to enjoy or create a family trust, protecting your legacy is important to you. If you don’t document your wishes in a will or trust, you can’t ensure your wishes will be carried out.
3. Provide Peace of Mind for You and Your Loved Ones
The last few years have taught us the value of peace of mind. There are some things we cannot control, but there are things we can control. One of the things we can control is creating an estate plan so that we know our wishes will be followed and there is a plan in place if the unexpected happens. You can’t put a price tag on peace of mind. That is a gift to yourself and your loved ones. Creating or updating your will and other estate planning documents such as an advance healthcare directive can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Contact Jammie Taire of SmithTaire Legal: Your Trusted Legal Partner in Georgia
If you need help with creating a will to protect your loved ones after you are gone, contact your trusted legal partner, estate planning attorney Jammie Taire and the team at SmithTaire Legal. Schedule an appointment with us today at 678-253-8133 to discuss your situation.