When was the last time you Updated Your Will or Trust?

Last Will & Testament

Why You Need One

Approximately 70 percent of Americans do not have a will. Probably the most common reason given is that many do not believe they have sufficient assets to justify having a will. Unfamiliarity with the process and procrastination also pay a role. Another major reason is the belief that our property will be distributed by law generally in accordance with our wishes.

Your Will or the State Legislature's Will?

For whatever reason, those seven out of ten Americans, by default, are permitting their state legislatures to write a will for them. Without a will, they leave critical issues such as family support, distribution timing, guardianship and estate tax savings to an inflexible system dictated by state statutes. With a careful, well-though-out, well-planned will you can ensure that your personal and family objectives are carried out after death, strictly in accordance with your wishes and not the impersonal mandate of the state.

Common Myths About Wills

Myth: "Only rich people need wills." --- Quite the contrary. In fact those who are not wealthy are quite often those whose families may be hurt most by failure to have a will. Not to be overlooked is the fact that many people have estates much larger than they realize when they take into account their life insurance, retirement benefits, home, farm or other real estate, savings and securities.

Myth: "People without dependents do not need wills". --- Just the opposite. A person without dependents who does not have a will may find, under state law, his or her property willed to parents and perhaps brothers or sisters in specified, rigid shares. Friends, of course, will be left out, as will any worthy charitable organization the person may have wished to support.

Myth: "All my property is in joint ownership, Why do I need a will" --- Not likely. It is unlikely that all of your property is held in joint ownership. For example, retirement benefits and employee death benefits are typically not jointly owned. More important, it may be disadvantageous to have all your property in joint ownership.

Where to Start

Regardless of your age or your financial circumstances, there is not better time than the present to plan for the disposition of your assets through a will or living trust prepared by an attorney. First you should make a list of all your assets and their approximate value. Then you need to decide how you want to dispose of your property and in what manner. Click the Banner at the bottom of this page for a cost effective way to have a high-quality attorney prepare your last will and testament.

Your Charitable Interests

Gifts by will are becoming an integral part of American Philanthropy. Federal and state tax laws encourage the support of charitable organizations by allowing your estate to receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of your gift. You can remember the work of your favorite charity in your will as a specific bequest of a certain dollar amount or expressed as a percentage of your estate value. Charitable bequests can be tailored to meet your specific personal and financial goals.

Can I do it myself?

Although a simple will can be simply prepared, it is strongly advised that you hire a qualified attorney to prepare your will or living trust. Click the banner to get access to a High-Quality Attorney to prepare your last will and testament.

Costs of will preparation

The average will prepared by an attorney can cost from $300.00 to $3000.00 depending on the complexity of your estate. Click on the banner today for a low-cost way to get a high-quality comprehensive will prepared.

Get started now!

Do Not Procrastinate this very important task. You owe it to your family to save them the time and headaches associated with dying without a will.

More information: "10 Reasons Why You Don't Want to Leave Without a Will"