Preparing Your Family for the Unexpected

Making a will means thinking about your death, which no one likes to do. But once you have children, you have even more incentive to draft one to ensure that they are taken care of and that no family members spend months sorting out your estate and financial matters. Here’s an at-a-glance article providing basic information to get you started:

Reasons to make a will

* You can leave your property, money and other assets to the people you want. Without a will, your "estate" must go through the probate system before any of your assets can pass to your heirs. That can take time and money, and it makes your financial affairs public record. With a trust, your assets pass seamlessly to your beneficiaries, ensuring that family, friends or charities you wanted to benefit do. * Your partner may benefit. If you aren't married to your partner, they could end up with nothing if you die without a will. Legally, they count only as a friend, not next of kin.

* You can choose your children's guardian. Your children's future can be protected if you choose a legal guardian to be responsible for their upbringing in the event of your death. Of course you need to get the person's permission before nominating them. If you don't specify anyone, it will be left to surviving relatives to sort out who looks after them and it may end up being someone you would never have chosen yourself. And finally, don’t let this element hold you back–yes, it’s hard to decide, but you can change your will later, so if Uncle John isn’t the best person five years from now, you can change it to Aunt Sue.   * You can ensure your wishes are carried out. When making a will you also appoint one or two executors whose task is to make sure of this. Again, you need their permission before nominating your executors. How to go about it

* Make a list of everything you own, including property, cars, your home contents, bank or savings accounts, any shares, and life insurance. Then make a list of all you owe, like mortgages, hire purchase agreements, loans, or credit. Bring this to an attorney’s office if you hire one, or use it to fill out a do-it-yourself kit.