During the holiday season, it’s common for Americans to list the things in life they are most thankful for. The average person might rattle off things like family, health, and friends. However, if there’s one item a Florida probate attorney wishes would be added to that list, it’s a will. While this may seem like a strange or even morbid thing to think about during the holidays, there are countless reasons to be thankful for this legal document. We’ve narrowed it down to just five in hopes of shining a light on the importance of early estate planning.
You Have Control of Key Decisions
When you work with a probate attorney to create your will, you retain control over key matters even after death. You can decide how your estate will be distributed, and even name an executor you trust to adhere to your guidelines. This control is especially important if you have children, as you can designate a guardian and even detail your wishes for how you want your kids to be raised. The same goes for pets you’d like to designate a caretaker for. For business owners, an essential decision to make will be transferring ownership, and you can protect your company by doing just that in a will. In fact, you can even go as far as determining whether or not your body will be cremated, designate a preferred burial site, and so on.
You Minimize the Stress on Your Family
The time after a loved one’s death is always going to be stressful, and most people would do anything they could to minimize those feelings. Drafting a will can do just that, as the document will provide answers to the questions your loved ones are bound to ask. This can even apply to matters before death. If you opt to include a health care directive, you free those you care about most from having the responsibility of making tough decisions regarding care. Your family and friends will surely be thankful for this.
You Simplify the Probate Process
If you die without a will, your estate will need to undergo interstate proceedings in probate court. Not only does this add time to the process, it also increases the chances that there will disagreements regarding your wishes. Florida law will determine how assets are distributed, and it may not be in line with what you had hoped for. Therefore, it is more likely that someone will contest the will, presenting additional legal challenges for loved ones.
You Can Give Back
The holiday season is all about giving, and your will can be as well. You have the power to designate a gift donation to your favorite charity after your death. Especially if you are particularly passionate about a specific cause, knowing you can do something to help even after you have passed is a major benefit. Not to mention, doing so may benefit heirs as well, given large donations may be eligible for estate tax exclusions.
You Gain Peace of Mind
For many, the uncertainty of death is a source of anxiety. However, while maybe not a pleasant thought, the fact is that death is a reality of life. One of the most effective ways to alleviate some of the stress this topic presents is to have a solid plan in place for handling your affairs after you have passed. While it may be scary, you can take comfort in knowing your loved ones will have the answers to pressing questions when that time comes — and none of us know when that will be. That’s why estate planning is not just for the elderly. Whether you are 72 or 27, the piece of mind you gain from having a well-drafted will is priceless.
Ready to create a will you’ll truly be thankful for? The first step is to consult with a Florida probate attorney. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our experienced team.