August is Make-a-Will Month!

August is Make-a-Will Month in the United States, providing an opportunity to showcase a task that is critical but all too often overlooked. Although people thought at one time that wills were only important for the wealthy or elderly, many more people are starting to realize that all adults should draft these legal documents to protect themselves, their property, and their legacy. Below, our Utah estate planning attorney outlines some of the biggest benefits of drafting a will, or revising your current will.

You Determine What Happens to Your Property 

Ownership is not limited to your investments or real estate. With a will, you can ensure that any of your property, such as your digital assets, bank accounts, vehicle, and even your pets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. You can designate specific people that are not included in Utah’s intestacy laws, including close friends, unmarried partners, and stepchildren. This provides necessary peace of mind for people, knowing that their most prized possessions are left with the appropriate people.

Naming a Guardian for Minor Children

It is even more important to draft a will if you are a parent. This document allows you to legally and formally designate someone to take care of your minor children if something unexpected happens to you. Without naming a guardian yourself, the court may have to appoint one for you. The person a judge chooses may not align with your wishes, which can be very detrimental. A will is the only way to get the reassurance you need that your children will be properly taken care of.

Appointing a Personal Representative

Your personal representative is the individual who will administer your estate after you pass away. Administering an estate involves paying your debts, inventorying your property, and ultimately distributing your assets according to your wishes. By drafting a will you also have the opportunity to choose this individual yourself. As with naming a guardian for your minor children, this ensures that your wishes are respected and that they are not left up to a judge.

Preventing Family Disputes

Without making your wishes known in a will, disputes may arise within your family due to misunderstandings, confusion, and disagreements among family members who are grieving. When you draft a will, you can explicitly state your wishes, minimizing the chance that family members will disagree and require costly court intervention to resolve disputes.

Our Estate Planning Attorney in Utah Can Draft Your Will 

Creating a will is one of the most loving and responsible things you can do for your loved ones. If you have not yet drafted one, or it has been some time since you have reviewed yours, our Utah estate planning attorney at AGS Law can provide the legal help you need this Make-a-Will Month to ensure that you have a document that is enforceable and provides the protection you intended. Call us today at 801-477-6144 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney and to learn more about how we can help.

Source:

le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75/Chapter2/C75-2-P5_1800010118000101.pdf