SO most of your plans consist of making all the preparations for the big day. BUT rarely do I here couples making all the adjustments for the big life that is about to change. So today's blog is about a big little "elephant" that no one talks about but should, a will. Of course everyone wants to think of it as one of those things that is to much to think about. But the fact is, if you have assets or have a massed any wealth it is worth taking a look into along ,with life insurance as well. Especially if you have a home and children to consider. It is absolutely critical to have a will if you have a child. But even if you haven't gotten to that stage in life, you may want or need a will to direct what happens to valued possessions -- such as a dog, a car, an condo you own alone or a special comic collection -- in case of your early death.
A will typically wouldn't control who gets "joint property" (such as a house you bought with your spouse) or accounts for which you have designated a beneficiary, such as 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts (and possibly bank and brokerage accounts as well). But when it comes to your other assets, if you die "intestate," or without a will, your state's laws will determine who gets what. The distribution laws vary by state, but generally your possessions pass first to your spouse and children, if you have any.
If you have children, a will lets you determine who will take care of them and manage their money if, say, you and your spouse parish together. In addition, you can use a will to set up a trust for your children, so they don't get the inheritance until they reach a certain age.
If one parent dies, a will can make sure everything goes to the surviving spouse, and not partially to young children. If you don't do this, your spouse may have to go through hoops like filing certain papers and checking in constantly with a court to manage your children's money.
Keeping It Simple
A simple will is generally just a document that specifies how your assets will be distributed. It's typically formulaic. The American Bar Association's Section of Real Property, Probate and Trust Law, states assets go to your parents, if they're still alive. If they aren't, then the order of succession is usually first to siblings. Unless you have a will, any significant other or favorite charity , wont get anything. A Sept. 11 cases where as a young man who was about to be married. Because he had no will, his estate went entirely to his family, and nothing went to his fiancee.
A will typically wouldn't control who gets "joint property" (such as a house you bought with your spouse) or accounts for which you have designated a beneficiary, such as 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts (and possibly bank and brokerage accounts as well). But when it comes to your other assets, if you die "intestate," or without a will, your state's laws will determine who gets what. The distribution laws vary by state, but generally your possessions pass first to your spouse and children, if you have any.
If you have children, a will lets you determine who will take care of them and manage their money if, say, you and your spouse parish together. In addition, you can use a will to set up a trust for your children, so they don't get the inheritance until they reach a certain age.
If one parent dies, a will can make sure everything goes to the surviving spouse, and not partially to young children. If you don't do this, your spouse may have to go through hoops like filing certain papers and checking in constantly with a court to manage your children's money.
Keeping It Simple
A simple will is generally just a document that specifies how your assets will be distributed. It's typically formulaic. The American Bar Association's Section of Real Property, Probate and Trust Law, states assets go to your parents, if they're still alive. If they aren't, then the order of succession is usually first to siblings. Unless you have a will, any significant other or favorite charity , wont get anything. A Sept. 11 cases where as a young man who was about to be married. Because he had no will, his estate went entirely to his family, and nothing went to his fiancee.
In review this blog is not ment to scare you with the little big elephant, its to inform you and help you make the other life commitment once you say "I WILL"!
