No one likes to think about their own death, much less the toll it will take on family members who will be trying to figure out who will take care of your kids and how to divide up your assets while dealing with their own grief. This natural reluctance to deal with unpleasant issues explains why nearly half of Americans do not have a will.

This is also why everyone needs one. No matter how much money or property you have, whether you are married or have kids, a will protects your intentions and your family after your death. It allows you to choose who gets your bobble head collection, or your yacht, as the case may be. It can set forth who you want to be the guardian of your children or who will take care of your pets. A basic will lists your assets (things like bank accounts, property, jewelry, etc.), explains how you want them to be divided, names an executor to oversee the division of these assets, sets out your funeral arrangements and, if necessary, names a guardian for your children. It keeps your family from trying to figure out your wishes after you are gone, as well as having to deal with a long and trying court process where a judge ultimately decides what to do.

Along with a will, it’s also important to have supporting documents such as a Living Will, which will lay out how you want to be treated if you are ill or incapacitated. For example, if you are in a car accident and suffer brain damage, do you want to be on life support? If you get Alzheimer’s, who do you want to take care of your affairs?

While there are many sites on the Internet where you can download wills, these may not meet the legal requirements of your state. And with a large estate, they are often inadequate. Accordingly, whether you have $500 in the bank or $500,000, you are best served by having an experienced and compassionate attorney draft your will.

So, need a will? Better call Jill. I can take the burden of dealing with this off your shoulders. I’m here to protect your interests, ensure your will meets state requirements and provide any advice you need in regard to your estate. Don’t delay. If life changes and you remarry or sell property or have a falling out with a family member, a will can always be changed. Having one now protects your interests and ensures your assets are distributed in the way you want, to the people you want, and makes the unthinkable a little easier on your loved ones.

Call 423-834-9365 today.

jthrash@thrashlawoffices.com
www.thrashlawoffices.com
Serving Chattanooga, Tennessee and the surrounding areas