The decision to make a will is the single most important gift you can give your children in my opinion. Time and time again in my practice, I have seen families torn apart after a person dies who was the glue that held the family together. I have seen family members go into the Decedent’s home the day of the funeral and take valuables. I have seen family members remove vehicles of the Decedent before out of town family could arrive.
Importance of Will If You Have Young Children
Making a will is especially important if you have young children. If you have young children, you may have a young spouse who will remarry. When remarried, they may have new children. It is incumbent upon us as parents to take care of those original children and not leave it up to the good will of the surviving spouse.
I have seen terrible things occur to the original children including the surviving spouse disinheriting them entirely and choosing his new spouse and the new children only in his will. That is not a result I believe is fair or equitable to the Decedent’s children. You must plan ahead.
When you have minor children, I can set up a Trust in your will so that their share of the estate will pass to them at three (3) ages. It’s called a 3 point trust. You choose the ages. Typically, I use ages 18, 22, and 28. Likewise, we can set it up that the money be spent on certain things such as education.
Wills are needed for people of every age. Greed, one of the seven deadly sins, never goes away. It is always with us. Children are just more vulnerable.
Directive to Physicians
Other documents that are advisable include a Directive to Physicians. This directs that you not be kept alive by artificial means, if that is your wish.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
A Healthcare Power of Attorney is another. You designate who you want to make healthcare decisions for you in the event that you cannot. You can name an alternate. You would want to do this in case both you and your husband are in an accident together.
If you are an organ donor, we can prepare a Declaration Regarding Anatomical Gifts.
Also, there are various types of deeds I can prepare for you.
Come in and see me. Tell me what your needs are and I can customize an Estate Package for you.
Contact Wills Lawyer Rita M. Boyd
Whatever the particular aspects of estate needs are, it is my hope that you will call me. Call me right now at 972-380-8000, and make an appointment to come in and discuss your challenges. Together we can! You can also email me.