There are several reasons you should have a will.
- You can decide and direct where and to whom your estate will go after your death. If you died without a will (intestate) your estate will be distributed according to Massachusetts state law – which distribution may not be as you wished.
- Having a will helps to make the administration of your estate run smoothly. The process can be completed more quickly and at a lesser expense to your estate if you have a will. When your wishes are made clear, it is unlikely there will be costly, time consuming disputes over who gets what.
- With your will you can choose the person to administer your estate (personal representative) and distribute it accordingly. When no one is named, the court may appoint the first person who asks.
- A well planned will can help reduce estate taxes.
- If applicable, a will allows you to appoint who will be the guardian of your minor children.
Please contact an attorney to discuss preparing a will. If you are thinking of creating your own will, please refer to the post named “Should I Create My Own Will?”
