A will is a legal document that lets you decide what happens with your estate after you die. Yet, according to a recent survey, almost two-thirds of Americans don’t have one.
If you’re among them, you should know there are many reasons to have a will. When you die without a will, you leave important decisions up to a local court and your state’s laws. You won’t have a say in who receives your property and other assets. Plus, not having a will can make it more difficult for your loved ones after you pass.
Save time, money, and stress for your loved ones.
Almost all estates have to go to probate court to start the legal process overseeing the distribution of assets. But when you don’t have a will, the court process — known as intestate administration — can get especially complicated. Without a will, the court has to name an administrator to administer your estate. And this can be time-consuming, expensive, and even contentious for your loved ones.
One of the top reasons to have a will is to streamline this court process. When you have a will, you can choose the person you want to handle your estate, making it easier for your loved ones.
Decide who gets your assets and property — and who does not.
Most people know that a will lets them decide who will get their assets (money, property, and more). Wills allow you to name people as beneficiaries for specific assets. You might not be aware that you can also use a will to help ensure some people don’t receive anything.
Support your favorite causes and leave a legacy.
Many people want to leave a positive impact on the world after they pass. A great way to do this is to support the charities or causes you love most. When you write a will, you can preserve your legacy by leaving a part of your estate to a charitable organization.
The Food Bank for Larimer County has partnered with FreeWill to make it easier for you to make your will, this is super simple to do. And, using this service does NOT mean you have to name us as a beneficiary. We truly want you to benefit from this service.
It’s easy to make a will and gain peace of mind.
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.
Making a will is easier than you think.
And it’s easier than ever to make a will. Unless you have a large or particularly complex estate, contentious family dynamics, or feel like you need expert advice from an attorney, you can prepare your will without a lawyer. With FreeWill, for example, you can create your own will for free, using our simple, online self-help
Estate planning is also a proactive way to ensure your legacy aligns with your values. As you make plans, you will have the option to include a legacy gift to the Food Bank for Larimer County, making a lasting commitment to food security in our community for generations to come.
As leap into this new year, embrace the opportunity to spread care throughout our community. Your ongoing support is invaluable, and together, we can continue to fulfill our mission of fighting hunger and fueling hope in Larimer County.
