Why Everyone Over 18 Needs a Will

Do you need a last will and testament? While preparing a life plan is something that most people put off until later in life, the reality is that everyone over the age of 18 should at least have a "simple" will. Here are six reasons why:

Reason #1: Expect the Unexpected

The risk of being seriously or fatally injured makes life planning important whether you are 18 or 81 years old. Every day, people suffer severe traumatic injuries in vehicle collisions, falls, and other accidents. While you might not think it will happen to you (and hopefully it never will), in the event that something unexpected happens, you will want to be sure that you and your family are prepared.

Reason #2: You Probably Own More than You Think

Many people put off preparing a life plan because they don’t think they have an estate worth protecting. But, the reality is that most people own more than they realize. From bank accounts to pets, your estate encompasses everything you own. Don’t you want to make sure you have the final say?

Reason #3: Digital Assets Count, Too

Increasingly, digital assets are making up substantial portions of individuals’ estates. From social media accounts and photo libraries to stock trading accounts and cryptocurrency wallets, everything you own online should be thoroughly addressed in your life plan as well.

Reason #4: You Don’t Want Florida to Make Decisions for You

If you do not prepare a life plan, all decisions about the distribution of your assets and your children’s guardian (among others) will be made pursuant to Florida law. While this ensures that decisions will eventually be made through probate, these decisions are extremely unlikely to align with your personal wants and goals.

Reason #5: Preparing an Estate Plan Protects Your Loved Ones

Preparing a life plan isn’t just about providing you with peace of mind – it is about protecting your loved ones as well. If you do not have a life plan, your family will be forced to go through the probate process, and this creates stress (and costs time and money) for everyone involved.

Reason #6: There Might Be Other Issues You Need to Consider

Finally, part of the life planning process involves identifying issues of which you were not previously aware. By working with an experienced attorney to prepare a life plan, you can feel confident knowing that you are not leaving anything to chance should you fall ill or get injured unexpectedly.

Discuss Your Will in Confidence

Is it time for you to prepare a life plan or a component of a plan? To discuss your options with attorney Mark F. Moss, request a confidential consultation online today.

This post is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. Please do not act or refrain from acting based on anything you read on this site. Using this site or communicating with Law Offices of Mark F. Moss, PLLC, through this site does not form an attorney/client relationship.