Do You Have A Legal Will?
I have been meaning to start a thread on a subject that causes many people to look blank when it is brought up. People generally do not like to discuss death and dying, but if they are made aware of the emotional and financial consequences of dying intestate (without a legal will), they will put some thought into drafting a will.
Anna Nicole Smith, both in life and in death, has single-handedly made that traditionally boring law school course – Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning – exciting again. Her will was made public in a Florida courtroom and is a case study of how NOT to draft one.
A will is important for everyone, but particularly those who have children. I want to take this opportunity to urge those who do not have a will to consider drafting one or at least begin to think about it and talk about it. The requirements are not onerous: you must be at least 18 years old, be of “sound mind,” try not to handwrite or do one orally, sign and date your will in front of two witnesses, and keep this will in a place where your executor (you have one, don’t you?) can find it when you die.
Just remember – intestacy is not a good thing.