who needs a will? you do, that's who.

Q: but i don't really even have any property or assets of value? do i still need a will?

A: yes! nearly every adult has reason to have a will. regardless of your age or net worth, you should have a will. it's simply the responsible thing to do. you will especially need a will if you have any minor (under age 18) children.

Q: but why do i need a will?

A: if you don't have a will, then it means that you are intestate*. this means that your estate will be distributed according to the intestacy laws of your state.

if you don't have a will, when you die, the state steps in and decides who gets your stuff and even who gets your kids. i guess it's possible that the state could get all this exactly right and exactly how you would have decided to divide up your hard-earned money (or the small fortune you inherited from your late husband, or your special collection of antiques that you were saving for your niece, or the pearl engagement ring that's been in your family for 6 generations) - but it's not likely.

and it's possible that the court system will consider all of the same values and factors that are important to you in raising your kids -- is your sister capable of raising your 3 kids? can your estranged mother give your kids the same upbringing that your 2nd cousin who lives two doors down from you give them? will your brother's new wife love your kids the way you do? will your mother-in-law take your kids to church if she became their guardian? there are so so many considerations that you have to think about for your own kids - and as the parent, you are the one that should be making these decisions. it's what's best for your kids.

and one more reason - going to court to figure out what to do with your stuff, your debts, your kids and the rest of your unfinished business is costly and time-consuming. do you really want to leave your family and loved ones to do what you could and should have done yourself?

*intestate: One who, having lawful power to make a will, has made none, or one which is defective in form. In that case, he is said to die intestate, and his estate descends to his heir at law

Q: where do i get a will? is it going to cost me a small fortune to hire a lawyer to draft it?

A: nope. you can do it yourself!

so what now? come to the basic estate planning workshop on thursday, april 16th at 7 pm in the relief society room and we'll go over it all in detail.