By: Jory Barrad, Director of Development
August is national awareness month for an array of logical and hilarious things including,
- National Back-to-School Month
- National Eye Exam Month
- National Crayon Collection Month
- National Catfish Month
- National Golf Month
- And many more, including National Make-A-Will Month
While this is clearly a topic many don’t like to think about, there are many reasons why it is so important to have a last will and testament. No matter how much money a family has, it is important to have a will so that your wishes are known and formally documented saving agony and anguish for those you care about most when you are gone. It provides peace and certainty for how important matters will be dealt with including custody of minor children, who in your family will get what, and who is responsible for managing these details. Without a will, the duties often fall to the state to determine how to handle distribution of assets and payment of liabilities. It could even fall to the state courts to determine who will have legal custody of minor children. Families with greater wealth will benefit by also having an estate plan.
AARP surveys show that as many as 6 in 10 adult Americans have “not gotten around” to creating a will. If you have not yet created a last will and testament and/or an estate plan, August is a great time to do it. Contact an attorney you trust, or, you can use Legal Zoom, Nolo, or Quicken WillMaker & Trust 2020 to create simple wills. And, you can be a superhero by making a bequest in your will to the charitable organizations you care about most. Whether it’s your house of worship, your alma mater, or an important local organization (like The Pathway School), each will tell you that your charitable bequest, no matter how big or small, can make a huge difference in helping them fulfill their mission. You can contact The Pathway School Development Office for sample language to make a bequest to your charity of choice in your will.