The real question you should be asking is: Why DON’T I have a Will? There are several benefits to having a will, but the main reason one would want a Will is to ensure that the decision of where your assets and belongings go remains your decision. According to the probate laws of Alabama, if you die without a Will, the government will decide where your assets go through the process of intestate succession. These laws don’t take into account any particular wishes or circumstances of the person who has passed.
If you have a Will you can designate who will act as the executor of your estate. You can help ensure that the probate process is less expensive for your family. You can name the guardians of any minor children you may have. You can leave property to a charity or individuals who are not your immediate relative. Simply put: you can maintain control over how your estate is administered.
If you don’t have a Will, the laws of Alabama will govern and you will have no say over who is guardian over your children, the law will decide who your property goes to and in what amount, and the probate process can be more expensive for your estate.
No matter how large or small your estate may be, no matter if you are in Huntsville or elsewhere, the Alabama estate planning attorneys at Martinson & Beason, P.C. can assist you in preparing your Will as well as other estate planning documents.
The end of your life is something you probably don’t want to dwell on, but thinking about what will happen to your loved ones and your assets and personal possessions is important. Making sure you’ve done all you can to make their lives easier will give you peace of mind. And once your will is drafted, you won’t have to think about it again unless something significant in your life changes.
For more information about Wills, please see our page, General Questions About Wills.