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Would you trust the most significant decisions of your life to others –
especially decisions that affect the welfare of your children? The answer
is: of course not! However – unless you have a will, that is precisely what
will happen. Under state law, the state will determine who, if anyone, is
entitled to your estate upon your death.

A will is a legal instrument that specifies who are to be the
beneficiaries of your estate, & when they’re to receive their
inheritance. The act of dying without a will is called ‘dying
intestate’. People who are not named as beneficiaries may challenge
the wishes of the decedent. By properly preparing a will, you can reduce
this risk.

There’re rules & regulations that limit to whom you may leave your
estate; for example, there’re rules that prohibit you from leaving your
estate to future generations of unborn children. Also, public policy
considerations prohibit you from leaving gifts that would be viewed as
waste, such as the maintenance of your pet’s grave. Under federal law,
people with the largest estates are required to pay tax at a rate of 55
percent.

It’s always a good idea to keep a copy of your will in a place that is
easily accessible to others. In addition, it’s wise to give copies of
your will to one or two other people whom you trust. From time to time,
your wishes may change as to how you would like your inheritance to be
structured, & who you would like your beneficiaries to be. Amendments to
a will are called ‘codicils’. As long as you’re of sound mind,
your will can be amended at any time.

Do not leave the decision up to others of how your estate is to be divided.
Instead, prepare a will.