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Will it to be Done
Tammy Miser
A
group of friends were discussing what they wanted after
their death. Most
people do this feeling that their wishes will be met. I stated I had a
donor card and they could have anything they needed as long as there was
enough left for the casket. A
woman in the group proceed to tell us her husband had a donor card but she
had not donated any of his organs. Giving
her the benefit of the doubt I ask her why? She told us that she didn’t
want them touching her husband and she didn’t care what he wanted.
Everyone hates the thought of making a will, most feel they have
more time and their family knows what they want. This way of thinking is a myth.
The hard truth is even if your loved ones have been told what you would like; their feelings can get in the way of carrying
your wishes
out.
In
another case, a women was killed leaving no husband or children behind, the
parents and sibling’s left to care for matters. One of the parents was appointed personal representative to
carry out all the affairs. The
parents were left the Insurance money.
The next step is to sue for wrongful death, which can only be
brought about by the personal representative.
Does this mean that the individual that died
wished that all
their
personal effects go to the parents or how about the wrongful death lawsuit
moneys? The personal
representative has any and all power over such things;
which can result in harsh feelings. Greed, mistrust, unresolved issues and the stages of grief can get
in the way of fairness and even brake a family apart.
Being
in sound mind and making a will is much kinder to the family then leaving
it up to the lawyers which never knew you, your standards and beliefs. The
reasons for doing so are:
-
The welfare and guardianship of your children.
-
Your assets can be
managed properly and put to their best use.
-
The legal process in dealing
with your affairs will be easier, and professional hired does not end your significant beneficiary.
-
You can name the beneficiaries
(including charities and friends if you so wish) and you will know
with certainty who will inherit from your efforts.
-
Your estate may not have to
pay an inheritance tax if you have will.
The
death of a loved one is painful enough without all the hardships of
sorting through an estate let alone a wrongful death lawsuit.
Yes it does take a little time, but much less time, effort and or
emotional turmoil are put into it than would be if it were left to chance.
There are free will building sites available such
as: americawills.com
Make sure you check your states laws and have it notarized.
You should reevaluate your will every 5 years or so and your will
can provide for children that will come along after your will has been
established.
*As
always This is not legal advice, just the advice of a concerned USMWF
Representative. Just a note: Living Will's allow an individual to make
decisions about their health care in advance in case they are
incapacitated and unable to do so.*
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