Why Everyone Needs A Will – Even If You Think You Don’t

A will is a legal document that outlines who should receive your assets after you die. It can also name a guardian for minor children and designate someone to carry out your final wishes. While many people delay creating one, often assuming they don’t have enough assets, having a will is important for nearly everyone.

Without a will, state laws decide how your assets are divided, which may not align with your wishes. Your estate will also likely go through probate, a court process that can be time-consuming and expensive.

A will lets you name beneficiaries (individuals or organizations who will inherit your property), appoint an executor (the person responsible for managing your estate), and include instructions for things like pet care or digital account access. It can even serve as a backup plan if other tools like trusts or transfer-on-death accounts fail to cover all assets.

Even with alternatives like living trusts, a will is still foundational. It can help prevent family disputes and ensure your wishes are clear.

To create a valid will, most states require it to be written, signed, and witnessed. You can revise it any time, but changes should follow legal procedures to remain enforceable.

Once someone passes, their will becomes public during probate. Before then, it remains private unless shared.

If you have questions about where to start or how often you should have your will reviewed, give us a call at 605-275-5665. 

Read more: Last Wills and Testaments: More Frequently Asked Questions