Top 10 Reasons to Have a Will

Creating an estate plan is one of the most thoughtful and responsible things you can do for your family. Yet, many people delay making a Will, assuming they don’t need one yet. The reality is that a Will provides peace of mind at any stage of life, ensuring your loved ones are protected, and your wishes are followed.

At Afterall, we believe in making planning easier. Our network of funeral homes, cemeteries, and cremation providers helps families make informed decisions about their final arrangements. While making funeral arrangements before you need them is essential, it’s only one part of a sound estate plan. We’ve partnered with Trust & Will to offer savings on estate planning when you select a prepaid burial or cremation plan with any Afterall location.

If you haven’t created a Will, now is the time. Here are the top 10 reasons why having a Will is essential:

1. Choose Who Inherits Your Assets

A Will ensures your belongings – whether a home, family heirlooms, or savings – are distributed according to your wishes. Without a Will, state laws determine who inherits your assets, which may not align with what you want.

2. Name Guardians for Your Children

If you have minor children, a Will allows you to designate a legal guardian to care for them. Without one, the court decides, which could lead to outcomes you wouldn’t have chosen.

3. Specify Your Funeral and Burial Preferences

A Will lets you specify how you want to be remembered, from burial or cremation to the details of your funeral service. Without these instructions, your loved ones may face difficult decisions during an already emotional time.

4. Reduce Family Disputes

Without clear instructions, disagreements can arise over how your estate is divided. A Will helps prevent conflicts by outlining exactly how your assets should be handled.

5. Speed Up the Probate Process

Probate – the legal process of distributing your assets – can be lengthy and costly. A Will helps streamline this process, reducing delays and expenses for your family.

6. Minimize Estate Taxes

Proper estate planning can reduce the taxes owed on your estate, allowing more of your assets to go to your loved ones instead of the government.

7. Ensure Care for Your Pets

Your pets are part of the family. A Will allows you to name a trusted caregiver and even set aside funds for their ongoing care.

8. Include Digital Assets and Online Accounts

From social media profiles to financial accounts, digital assets are an important part of your estate. A Will allows you to document access details and instructions for managing or closing accounts.

9. Support Charities That Matter to You

If you have a cause close to your heart, a Will allows you to leave a portion of your estate to charity, creating a lasting legacy.

10. Protect Your Business and Investments

If you own a business, a Will ensures a smooth transition and prevents legal complications. You can designate successors or outline how assets should be handled.

A Will and a Trust: What’s the Difference?

A Will and a Trust serve different but complementary purposes in estate planning:

• A Will outlines how your assets should be distributed, names guardians for children, and specifies funeral wishes. It must go through probate.
• A Trust holds assets outside of probate, providing privacy and control over distributions. Trusts can be beneficial for tax planning and long-term wealth management.

Some people choose to have both a Will and a Trust for comprehensive estate planning.

Save on Estate Planning with Afterall

Creating a Will is one of the most important steps to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored. When you prepay for a funeral or cremation plan with Afterall, you’ll receive 10% off estate planning services through our partnership with Trust & Will. Planning ahead doesn’t just benefit you – it gives your family clarity, reduces stress, and ensures your legacy is carried out as you intended.