Wills and Estate Planning

Did you know that as many as 70% of Americans do not have a Last Will & Testament? This startling statistic means that friends and loved ones must deal with the reality that the state will determine a number of very personal issues.

WITHOUT A WILL:

Most people think their spouse will automatically inherit everything. Not true.

The courts, not your family, are in control. Your money and your property (estate) are distributed according to inflexible state law, not your desires.

If both parents die, the courts will decide who will be guardian for your minor children, and may appoint someone whose values and lifestyle are different from yours.

The courts can choose a stranger or someone you would not want handling the settlement of your estate and this method is often quite expensive.

You will not have the opportunity to leave a charitable bequest in your will to your favorite charities. Many people want the charities they supported during their lifetime to receive one final "legacy gift" from their estate, but without a will, this will not happen.

With proper planning, all of the above problems can be eliminated. If you do not have one, we would be happy to put you in touch with an estate-planning attorney who is qualified to prepare your will and other desired estate documents. The attorney fees are discounted for our friends. By using the Leave A Legacy voucher we provide in our Will Information Kit, you are eligible for a discounted rate for any will/estate plan that includes a charitable bequest.

Thank you for your interest in charitable estate planning.

To request your free copy of our Will & Trust Guide, click here.