Where there's a will there is a way. Having one final say by listing your last wishes in a will can make sure that you and those who matter to you are taken care of - even if it is not in the financial sense.
You can create a will even if you do not have children or assets to give away to make sure that you have a final say in things that matter to you. However, if you are wondering when the right time is to get a will, these are the five signs to help you.
You have funeral rite wishes you want to disclose
At some point, the day of our funeral crosses our minds. It may be something hard for some of us to think of, but it can also give us more control of how we want our loved ones to celebrate our lives, along with giving us a proper send-off. Should you have specific wishes on how or where you would like to be buried, or how you would like the day to go, having a will can be your way of telling your loved one's these wishes.
You have children
Having children, especially if they are minors, means that there needs to be extra security measures that will help protect them when you are no longer around to do so yourself. While we may rely on family members to embrace them as their own, it is important to have a selected guardian who you know will honor and protect your children no matter what. Having a last will and testament can also help you disclose any policies you have in place such as a life insurance policy that your children or guardians can claim from to make sure that their needs are taken care of.
You have things you want to pass down as inheritance
Assets, family heirlooms or even a few of your favourite things that you have at home that you would like to give to certain family members when you die require a will. A common mistake is to think that just because something doesn't have a high value attached to it, it doesn't have to be written up in a will, but something as simple as furniture could end up causing a feud between loved ones. Disclosing a list of items, assets or heirlooms you would like certain people to receive can help reduce any fights when you have a legally drafted will.
You are married
Protecting your spouse is equally important. Having a legally drafted will that includes your final wishes regarding them and what you would like them to receive or be in ownership of is vital. It can also protect them from being vulnerable when it comes to other people who may want to place a claim on things that can be beneficial for them. Make sure to be specific when listing things in your will to avoid any confusion or a chance for your will to be contested.
A special message or documents you want to disclose
Having a special message dedicated to a loved one or policy documents listed as part of a will can also be beneficial. It can give your loved one's closure and also make it easier for them to place claims with any insurers or investors that you may have had policies or investments with. Always remember that a will is a way to have one more final say while giving you control over the things that matter to you.
