Do-It-Yourself Wills and Estate Planning

Reasons to write a will

1. It takes out some of the guesswork.
   Your family won't have to guess what your wishes were, which will reduce some of the stress.
2. To distribute property to the people you choose.
   Will it go to specific people? A charity? Be used for another purpose?
3. To assure your children are cared for.
   If you don't decide, the state will. Your children could end up living with or being raised in a manner that doesn't fit your desires.
4. Reduces probate costs.
   If you don't have a will, your estate planning goes through the court system in a lengthy and expensive process called probate.
5. You decide who administrates your will.
   Death and money can bring out the worst in people. If you don't decide, the courts will, and each beneficiary will be petitioning for their side.
6. Assists with business planning.
   If you own a business, a will can help define how your business will be sold, transfered, or dissolved in the event of your death.