Making a will is an important way to extend your love, care, generosity and gratitude to family and friends, and ensure your money, property and other assets are distributed as you wish. So why have two-thirds of all Americans not created a will?
Taking the first step to create or update a will can be hard to do, even when you know that having your plans in order may take a huge weight off your shoulders.
What Happens if You Don’t Have a Will?
A will allows you to say how your affairs will be managed when you are gone. A will may bring peace of mind by establishing clear instructions as to your wishes and arrangements for your family. Your will brings meaning as it captures what matters most to you – loved ones and charities you care about most.
If you do not have a will, your estate will be divided according to laws in the state where you live. The resulting transfer of assets may be very different from what you had wished. While your closest relatives will likely receive part of your estate, close friends or charities that you may have wanted to remember will not be included.
We’re here to help! Download our estate planning guide here or email us for our FREE Guide to Making a Will or Updating Your Will. Call us at 413.794.7789, or email Kylie.Johnson@BaystateHealth.org.