1) Show you care for kids and your future generations.

Virtually all estates must undergo probate court to initiate the legal proceedings for asset distribution. However, when you lack a will, the court process, known as intestate administration, can become particularly complex. In the absence of a will, the court must appoint an administrator to manage your estate, leading to potential delays, expenses, and disputes among your loved ones. One of the primary advantages of having a will is streamlining this court process. By having a will in place, you have the freedom to designate the person you trust to handle your estate, simplifying matters and providing peace of mind for your family and beneficiaries.

2) Choose the people who you want.

As previously mentioned, one compelling reason to create a will is the ability to designate who will manage your estate. When you write a will, you become a "testator" and gain the privilege of nominating an "executor." The executor plays a crucial role in handling all your affairs after your passing. Serving as an executor is a significant responsibility that entails various tasks, ranging from closing bank accounts to liquidating assets. Hence, it is crucial to select someone who is competent and whom you trust to carry out these duties diligently. Failing to appoint an executor in your will means the court will make the selection on your behalf, and it might not be the person you would have preferred.

3) Choose who you want to be in charge of your property and everything else you own.

The majority of individuals are aware that a will allows them to determine who will inherit their property. As the testator, you have the authority to designate specific individuals as beneficiaries for particular assets. Additionally, you can name beneficiaries for any property not explicitly listed, which is known as the "residuary" of your estate. Your appointed executor will be responsible for distributing these assets according to your wishes. However, you may not be aware that a will also empowers you to ensure that certain individuals do not receive any inheritance. For instance, you might want to prevent an ex-spouse from being a beneficiary. Alternatively, if you have supported one child through school, you may want to ensure that another child also receives a fair share of your estate. The flexibility of a will allows you to make such provisions and tailor your inheritance decisions to reflect your preferences accurately.

4) Determine who gets what you have or how it's divided.

A charitable will serves as a thoughtful and deliberate way to allocate your possessions and resources among specific recipients in accordance with your philanthropic vision. Within this legal document, you outline the beneficiaries who will receive your assets and define the manner in which these resources will be distributed. Here's a breakdown of the process involved in creating a charitable will.

5) Who do you want to care for your friends and pets.

If you are a pet owner, having a will becomes particularly important. By creating a will, you can ensure that your beloved pet will be taken care of after your passing. While pets are considered property under the law, you cannot directly leave assets to them through your will. However, you have the ability to designate a beneficiary for your pet, entrusting them to a trusted friend or family member. By naming this beneficiary, you can request that they act as a caretaker or guardian for your pet, guaranteeing they will be in safe hands. Moreover, you can also leave funds in your will to support your pet's ongoing care and well-being. This way, you can provide for your pet's future and ensure they receive the love and attention they deserve even when you are no longer there to care for them.

6) Make proper and clear instructions for your digital assets.

Your digital assets encompass various online accounts, such as social media and email, as well as digital files and properties like photos, videos, and domain names. To ensure these assets are managed appropriately after your passing, you can appoint a digital executor in your will. With the help of your digital executor, you can specify the individuals to whom you wish to leave these assets. Additionally, you have the opportunity to include instructions on how you want your digital assets to be handled, such as whether you'd like certain accounts to be closed or managed in a particular way. By making these provisions in your will, you can have peace of mind knowing that your digital legacy will be handled according to your wishes.

7) Keep all the family somewhat happy and not be able to argue.

Having a will becomes crucial if your family dynamics are complex. When you pass away without a will, your family members will be left to speculate about your final wishes. Unfortunately, in such situations, disagreements may arise, causing friction and potential conflicts that can endure for a lifetime. However, by creating a will, you can prevent these uncertainties and conflicts. Your will serves as a clear and legally binding document that eliminates any guesswork, as it explicitly outlines your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets and other important matters. This proactive approach ensures that your intentions are clearly communicated, helping to avoid potential disputes and providing a sense of clarity and peace for your loved ones.

8) Be a hero to the best causes and or your favorite causes.

Numerous individuals aspire to leave a lasting, positive impact on the world even after they are gone. One excellent method to achieve this is by supporting the charitable organizations or causes that hold special meaning to them. When you create a will, you have the opportunity to preserve your legacy by allocating a portion of your estate to these cherished charitable endeavors. Using Ecowill to draft your will makes this process incredibly straightforward. With just a few clicks, our tool enables you to select and designate your favorite causes, ensuring that your support continues to make a difference in the world even in your absence. By leaving a charitable gift in your will, you can inspire positive change and contribute to the betterment of the causes that are close to your heart.

9) Make your funeral the way you like it.

Considering your own funeral may be a difficult topic, but taking the time to think about it now and leaving instructions with your will can significantly ease the burden on your loved ones after your passing. While these instructions may not be legally binding, they provide valuable guidance to your executors and family regarding your final wishes. By including instructions in your will, you can appoint a funeral executor to oversee the funeral arrangements, provide suggestions for the service and location, make specific requests for your final resting place, and more. These details allow your loved ones to honor your wishes and ensure that your farewell reflects your personal preferences and values. By planning ahead, you can offer comfort and clarity to those you leave behind during a challenging time.

10) See how fun and simple it is to make your will.

Some folks put off creating or updating their will because they assume their loved ones will automatically get an inheritance. But this isn’t always true. Probate can be a long and expensive process for your heirs. Plus, a will only addresses your current circumstances. You should update it over time as your needs and the people in your life change.

11) You will earn some peace of mind when this is done.