None of us are planning to die today. Yet none of us have a guarantee that we won't.
John Denver went out for a routine plane ride when the unexpected happened. He crashed into the bay and died. What was he thinking? Probably not about the fact that he had left three children and no will, with no directive about the disposition of his $20 million estate.
Jackie O. on the other hand, left an explicit will detailing the handling of her $200 million estate including specific bequests to her children, gifts for her friends, and 36 pages of directives on the distribution of her property including her Fifth Avenue apartment in New York City and an autographed copy (signed by Robert Frost) of JFK's inaugural address.
While you may not have $200 million (yet!), it is important that you take control of your legacy and write a will. Seven out of 10 Americans die "intestate," meaning without a will.
If you don't have a will, I guarantee the state you live in has one for you. It is a common misconception that only wealthy people or married couples need a will. If you answer "NO" to any of the following questions, you must consider getting a will done.
Do you want a Child Protective Services social worker to determine who gets to raise your children?
Do you want to give the IRS a "blank check" to your estate?
Do you animal control to seize your pets?
Do you want your stepchildren or children from a previous marriage passed over?
Do you want your adult children to battle your spouse in court?
Do you want a deadbeat parent to be awarded custody of your children?
Do you want relatives fighting over your family heirlooms you may have?
do you want your resident state to sell your home, your car, and your things?
Do you want your loved ones to grieve your death in a courtroom?
Do you want someone you don't know making decisions on your behalf?
Do you want an estranged sibling or relative to petition the court against your wishes?
You can have a will prepared and updated every year for just pennies per day with a top rated law firm.
**Here's a very interesting side note. Former Supreme Court Justice, Warren Burger decided to do his will on his computer. When he died, his will hadn't been prepared correctly and there were complications with the distribution of his estate. If a former justice of the Supreme Court could not do his will properly, why would you want to take the chance?
