Wills

Everyone should have a will! 

A will is a legal document that describes how you would like your property, and other assets to be distributed after your death.  Your Will nominates guardians for your children. If there is also a trust in place, it ensures an individual’s remaining assets will automatically transfer at death, thereby minimizing the probate process.

We are Stewards

It is true wisdom to set your house in order while you are able. God expects our faithfulness in providing a plan for our children in the event of the death of both parents. He also expects that we are good stewards of what He placed in our care at our death, just as we were good stewards of what He placed in our care during our lifetime. A Will ensures that we accomplish that.

Traditionally, people divided their estate among their children. You may want to consider your children’s financial state before doing so. If you are older, your children probably already have more than they need. You may want to consider leaving part of your estate to support your church or other needs around the world. Stewardship is using your assets where they make the most impact for good.

If you have minor children or a special needs child, it is important to make sure they are taken care of. A Will can designate who will care for them and set aside funding to support them. The people you are responsible for are your most important asset, and you don’t want to be found unfaithful in providing for them.

Your Letter of Instructions within the Will gives direction to how your household goods and personnel effects should be distributed. This can avoid family disputes of who gets the family keepsakes.

How to start a Will:

  1. Gather your information (download our free Planner)
  2. Create a free Will online if your estate is very small.  
  3. See an attorney for most Wills, (recommended)

Benefits of a Will

  • Authorizes payments of all debts and estate expenses
  • Disposes your personal property according to your desires
  • Distributions are made to family members and charities
  • Appoints Guardians to minor children, and a personal representative over the estate
  • A Will does not keep property out of probate court, to accomplish this, place your assets in a trust.
 
What happens if you don’t have a Will?
• The State will decide how your assets are distributed. They will most likely not distribute the way you would want them to.
• It will be more expensive to settle your estate. 
• Settling your estate will take longer.
• You don’t have control of who the State will appoint as Guardian of your minor children.
• None of your estate will go to charity if you don’t have a Will.
• You will cause frustration and hard work to family members who have to settle your estate.

“For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.”      Heb 9:16-17