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A simple will can solve unimaginable problems with your estate. Family members will understand what you expect and hopefully honor your wishes. Neglecting a last will may land your estate in probate court following state law. The probate process can be expensive and eat away at your estate. Your simple will: create it now 

You need not hire a law firm to complete a simple will. If you have a complicated estate including a business, the right choice may be to engage a law firm. If it’s important to you that the correct distribution of your assets be done according to your wishes, then a well-crafted will is essential.

I have been an observer several times when family members and friends have argued over the distribution of assets. This has happened even when there is a will covering the distribution of assets. It’s the parents and adult children who argue the most about the terms of the will. 
THE PARENTS FAILED TO TALK ABOUT THE WILL

In one example, there were several brothers. The last parent passed and while there was a valid will, the entire estate included many things including real property, collectibles, coins, and more. The parents failed to talk with the children about the distribution of their estate before they passed away. 

The adult children had not even seen the will until after the last parent passed. The sons or brothers’ wives were worse than their husbands. It seemed that if one wanted something, the other wanted it as well just because. 

Let’s step back a bit and think about what you want to accomplish with your will. If you think that your own will is being created to dispose of your property, think again. Put yourself in the position of those who will inherit your property. An irreparable split between siblings can happen without a complete explanation as to why one or the other is going to receive real estate for example. 

Make a list of assets, not dollar amounts just things such as listing your personal property. Items such as a watch, necklace, etc. of a personal nature should be listed separately. Try not to leave anything off the list if it’s important to any member of the family. The good news is with your list in hand, it’s time to have a meeting with your beneficiaries. 

APPOINT AN EXECUTOR AT THE MEETING TO CREATE YOUR SIMPLE WILL

You need not call in everyone. If you have three adult children, call them to a meeting. Explain the purpose of the meeting. Appoint an executor of your estate and go over the simple will form (unless you need a lawyer for assistance). Tell family members that your will is not to be challenged. You have thought it out and then explain what you have written in the will.

A person whom I knew passed away and decided to leave one of three children less than the other two. The reason was because of some incident years earlier. That’s ok, it was her money to give away. The point is that the reason was in the will so the executor, a sibling was not accused of undue influence over the process. 

YOUR SIMPLE WILL: HELP THOSE YOU LEAVE BEHIND

In closing, remember, the more complete your will the easier it will be for your beneficiaries. Have that family meeting, tell them why you are giving Sandy your father’s watch and why Sam is getting $10 in cash instead of $50,000. Write down what everyone wants, make a decision, and include that in your will. Be sure that everyone gets a copy of your will. Don’t talk about dollar amounts at your family meeting, just shares or specific items.

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