5 Reasons To Create a Will Sooner Rather Than Later

We seem to hear all the time that having a will is important, but very few of us think about creating one until it's too late. Having a will that family and courts can follow after your passing is crucial. As such, starting to create a will before one becomes truly necessary sets everyone up for success down the line. We'll discuss five reasons to create a will sooner rather than later and the good this process can do in the long run.

It Gives You Say in Distributing Property

One of the primary reasons to create a will is to ensure your family distributes your property according to your wishes. When you have a legal will in place, you ultimately decide who gets what and how much of your assets they receive. This eliminates any ambiguity and reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings when it comes to officially claiming aspects of your estate.

Allows You to Elect a Solicitor

A solicitor, also known as an executor, is the individual responsible for managing and executing your will after you pass. By creating a will while you're healthy, you can appoint a trustworthy and capable solicitor to ensure everything takes effect in the correct way. This saves your family from the added burden of trying to figure everything out on their own.

Prevents Family Disputes

Losing a loved one is already an emotionally challenging experience for families. And when significant assets and inheritance come into play, tensions can run high. By creating a will, you help prevent the likelihood of family disputes and arguments over your assets or your intentions. A detailed will that clearly lays out who inherits what can save your family from bitter disagreements and costly litigation.

To Plan Your Own Funeral

Another reason to create your own will sooner rather than later is that it gives you some say over your funeral. Your funeral is an opportunity for close friends and family to remember you and celebrate your life. Creating a will allows you to outline specific instructions for how you wish to depart the world, eliminating any uncertainty about your preferences. Whether you want to adhere to certain religious traditions or you have a preference for burial or cremation, your will can give loved ones a clear plan to follow.

Ensuring Children Are in Caring Hands

If you have children under the age of 18, creating a will is essential in making sure they’re placed in the care of a responsible and nurturing guardian. By specifying who you wish to become the legal guardian for your children, you can guarantee that they’ll receive proper care after you pass. This is crucial in ensuring your children's well-being and stability and contributing to their sense of security during an emotionally challenging time.

Creating a will as soon as possible is essential in securing your legacy, protecting your family, and ensuring the proper distribution of your assets. So, don't wait—take the first steps today by contacting an attorney. As a knowledgeable probate attorney in Vancouver, WA, Vancouver Wills and Trusts can streamline this process and ensure all your wishes are fully documented. This way, there’s no confusion, and you can go into your future feeling confident.