Why Do You Need a Will?

Drafting a Will is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. A Will is a planning tool used to ensure the ongoing care of your family and the distribution of your assets according to your wishes.

Each family is confronted with their own specific set of circumstances. However, a Will can protect your children, your spouse and any assets you have accumulated throughout your lifetime. Even if you do not view yourself as having substantial assets, having a properly drafted Will gives you the peace of mind knowing that the things you worked so hard for are distributed according to your wishes.

Some benefits to having a Will include:

Personal Effects

Do all of you children mistakenly think they are receiving your diamond wedding ring when you die? To avoid any potential conflicts, a Will can properly state who obtains your tangible personal effects upon death.

Minor Children

A minor in New York is considered to be a person under the age of eighteen (18). If you have a minor child or children, a Will allows you designate who can be the guardians of those minors. In addition, a variety of trusts may be included within your Will to allow for distributions at various ages and for such reasons as medical and education purposes.

Supplemental Needs Trusts

If you have a child or family member under a disability, it may be feasible to have your Will include a supplemental needs trust that allows for a disabled family member to share in your estate and still qualify the government benefits.

Charities

Do you have a favorite charity that you wish to provide for after your death? A Will can name your charities as beneficiaries in your estate.

Your Will is important enough to consider the services of an experienced estate planning attorney. Allow Smolarek Law Offices to assist you in the drafting of your Last Will and Testament.