A CHICAGOLAND ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY DISCUSSES THE IMPORTANCE OF MEN AND WOMEN OF ALL AGES HAVING A WILL
It’s a statistical fact that most adults—even adults with families—throughout Illinois and Indiana face the danger of dying intestate (without a will). That’s because many individuals have the perception that they will not have to start thinking about their own mortality until retirement age. As an estate planning attorney who drafts wills for residents of both Indiana and Illinois, I strongly urge my clients to draft a will at an early age and to revisit the testament every three to five years, or whenever there is a significant life change.
We have seen situations where, sadly, very young people pass away suddenly in car accidents and motorcycle accidents leaving no direction for their parents, spouses or children. These cases create legal battles that that are expensive and emotionally draining and that could easily have been avoided with some estate planning.
The Importance of Having an Attorney Draft a Will
As far as legal instruments go, a basic will is a relatively simple document. Simple wills are not expensive. At Kelly Law Offices, a simple will can be done for $100.
However, the will is what will let your executor know exactly how you want your assets distributed and your final wishes carried out. If you die without a will, your estate will be distributed in accordance with state law, which is often not congruent with your desires. If you have children, dependent siblings or parents, a will is absolutely essential.
Resistance to Drafting a Will
As a Northwest Indiana estate planning attorney, I’ve heard a number of excuses over the years for not preparing a will:
- I’m too young to have to worry about a will.
- It’s too depressing; I don’t want to think about a will.
- The expense is too great.
- The State will distribute my property fairly and equitably.
People tend to forget there is no natural requirement that guarantees they will live to an old age, or even that they will have a warning before they die. There isn’t always time to draft a will. The truth is that anyone who has any property at all should have a will. The State is not the one that should be deciding what to do with your property; you are. Furthermore, a will is the cornerstone of any sound estate plan. It provides peace of mind for the testator, his or her family, and friends.
Whether you live in Northwest Indiana or the Chicagoland area, if you have not drafted your will, you should contact an estate planning attorney immediately. An inexpensive will can save a lot of time, money and grief for those left to administer your estate.
