What the Yale Bulldogs know . . . .
The unexpected can happen.
Last time the Yale Bulldogs were in NCAA tournament, I wasn’t even born. And yet, just moments ago, Yale pulled off a stunning first-round upset.
Again, the unexpected can happen.
We don’t like to think about shocks in terms of life and death. But a mordant and bad joke among estate planners is that “people don’t always die when they’re supposed to.” Indeed, we all know people that passed away well before their time.
Nothing is promised to anyone. And if you should die without a will, it can cost your family and friends a lot of time, a lot of money, and lots of anxiety and even heartache.
#1 Without a will, probate courts and the Iowa Legislature decide everything about your estate.
If you die without a will, you are leaving it up to the legislature/courts to decide who will receive your property. Or, even, who will get to raise your children.
#2 Without a will, you cannot choose a guardian for your children.
If you die without a will, the courts will choose guardians for your children. One of the most important aspects of a will is that it allows you to designate who will be the guardian for your children. This can ensure that your children are cared for by the person that you want, not who the court chooses for you.
#3 Without a will, the probate court will choose your estate’s executor.
If you die without a will, the probate court is forced to name an executor. The executor of your estate handles tasks like paying your creditors and distributing the rest of your assets to your heirs. Of course, if the probate court has to pick who will be your estate’s executor, there is always a possibility that you would not have approved of that person if you had been alive.
If you have a will, it will name an executor who will carry out all of your final wishes, pay your bills, and distribute your assets just as you wanted.
#3½ Without a will, you can’t give your favorite nonprofits gifts from your estate.
If you die without a will, your estate assets — your house, savings, and so on — will pass to your heirs under Iowa’s statute. If you have a will, you can include gifts to your favorite nonprofits and see that these nonprofits are helped for many years to come
Take control of your future. You can start by downloading my estate planning questionnaire, simply click here.
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