Do I Need a Will?
As uncomfortable as it may be to think about what happens when you are gone, the reality is – none of us is immortal. And when you die, someone will get your property, money, and other assets. That’s just how things work and there’s no way around it.
And that’s why having a will – or the Last Will and Testament – matters. You could make all the excuses in the world to convince yourself that you don’t need a will. “I don’t have that many assets” or “It’s too early for that” – those are some of the most common things I hear from people who think they don’t need a will. But, at the end of the day, everyone needs a will.
As a wills attorney in Schertz, Texas, I help clients set up customized wills that work best for them and their families. At Carl J. Mangine, Attorney at Law, PLLC, I know that concerns about the future can weigh heavily on my clients, which is why I strive to resolve their estate planning matters as easily and stress-free as possible.
What Does a Will Do?
Learning about what you can accomplish with a Last Will and Testament is the first step you need to take to know if now is the right time to write one. Here are some of the things a will can do:
Make it easier for your family to sort everything out after your passing (without it, the process can be more stressful and time-consuming);
Provide instructions for who you want to inherit your assets (without it, your assets would be distributed to your heirs according to your state’s laws of intestate succession);
Select a guardian for your minor children (without it, it will be up to the court to determine guardianship);
Select an executor who will administer your estate (without it, it will be up to the court to appoint an executor); and
Make your wishes known to your family (without it, you are leaving your family with many unanswered questions and the potential for disputes and conflicts).
When you understand what happens if you die without a will, you understand that writing a will is more than just preserving your wealth. It’s also about providing yourself and your family with peace of mind and comfort.
So, Do I Need a Will or Not?
No matter how old, wealthy, and healthy you are, it’s not too early (or too late) to consider drafting a will. The list of questions below will help you decide whether or not you need a will at this point of your life:
If you have minor children, do you want them to be raised by someone you wouldn’t want as their guardians should something happen to you?
Do you want your assets to be distributed to people you wouldn't have otherwise chosen?
Do you want your estate to be administered by someone you don’t trust?
If you have pets, do you want your family to not know what to do with them?
Do you want your family members to fight over their inheritances?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, you need a will. Remember: wills aren’t only for those who have lived to a certain age, accumulated a certain amount of money, or were diagnosed with a certain medical condition. You need to have a will in place to ensure your wishes and plans for the future are upheld.
When Should I Make a Will?
All too often, people procrastinate when it comes to estate planning or simply think they still have plenty of time to write a will and put a plan in place. “Ah, I will just do it tomorrow or some other day,” they think. However, there may be no tomorrow, as morbid as it may sound.
If you choose to put off making a will, you may lose track of time and then, before you know it, you’re lying on your deathbed in the hospital unable to make your wishes known. So, while you still have the mental capacity to do it, now may be the right time to set up an estate plan, especially considering that you’ve been thinking about it lately (otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading this).
Knowing that you have an estate plan in place can give you peace of mind and a sense of comfort as you carry on with your life.
Get Started on Your Will Today
If you think you are ready to start planning for your future and securing your legacy, I can provide you with the legal advice and guidance you need.
As a wills attorney at Carl J. Mangine, Attorney at Law, PLLC, I am here to discuss your needs, answer your questions, and help you draft or update a will that unambiguously reflects your needs and wishes.
From my office in Garden Ridge, I provide estate planning services to clients in Schertz, San Antonio, Guadalupe County, New Braunfels, Universal City, and Converse. Reach out now to schedule your consultation and get started.