A Will, or a Last Will and Testament, is a planning tool that dictates where your assets go after death. Additionally, it may provide guidance on how and who you want to care for minor dependents. Essentially a will is a guidebook of how you want your estate divided after your passing. 

Everyone should have a will because it simplifies everything for your loved ones at a time when they really need simplicity. The loss of a loved one is already an extremely difficult ordeal to go through, and a will helps avoid additional stress by distributing your property and stating your wishes. It is important that your wishes are laid out for your family and friends, and that you have a say in who raises your children and how.

However, there is a common misconception about wills: that having one avoids probate. This is NOT the case. A will acts only as the instruction manual for the court.

If you die without a will it is called dying intestate and means that you have no written testimony about your after-death wishes. If there’s no will, who makes all the decisions on what happens after death? The government, through OH or KY intestate state laws! This can cost your family time and money, and can negatively impact familial harmony.

A will is a great planning tool to help dictate how you want your assets distributed after death and allows you to have a voice about your estate after you’ve passed.