A Will is not just a way to leave assets to people or to dictate what happens to “your stuff” after you die, it can also serve as a love letter from you to your family and friends as well. Often, a Will is the last thing family and friends will read from you. Aside from the straightforward language of assigning guardians to children, naming Executors, and naming beneficiaries, a Will can also do the following:
- Your Will can also say why. Your Will can be an opportunity to express your gratitude for a child who has provided care at the end of your life, or proclaim the love you felt for your family, perhaps in ways you were unable to express while living – it can be a love letter to your family.
- You can give specific personal items to individuals. Imagine the surprise of a friend or a family member when they are left that painting of yours that they always admired and discovering that you noticed and left it just for them. Pieces of heirloom jewelry or furniture can be passed down through generations. More sentimental items, like a record that you always played during brunch on Saturday, or that book you read every night, can be so much more important than the bank account you leave behind. These can serve as an expression of your affection for the person, similar to leaving them a love letter.
- Naming specific people in your Will can hold great meaning. Knowing that you specifically thought of someone when writing your Will can hold as much meaning as what is actually left to someone. Often, it’s not as much WHAT is left to people, but knowing that you took the time to think about them and include them in such an important document.
- Your Will can give instructions on how you wish to be buried and how you want the end of your life celebrated. Such instructions can provide clarity and comfort to friends and family who are struggling with the loss of their loved one. Knowing that they are able to carry out your final wishes can bring a sense of closure and even joy.
- A Will can be an opportunity to explains actions during life or hopes for family and friends’ futures. Perhaps that falling out with a loved one years ago can be mended, or that grandchild can have some last words from a grandparent.
- Specific provisions can assure that the family is taken care of, including pets. Aside from determining who should look after you pets, you can also leave specific amounts of money to help those people provide proper care for them.
- A Will can also allow you to leave your mark on the world through charitable giving. Aside from leaving cash gifts to charities, you can leave vehicles, supplies, benches, books and other unconventional gifts to an alma mater or a charity you support.
At Grissom Law, we can help draft a Will that reflects your specific words and wishes so that a Will is more than a legal document.
Disclaimer
This Blog/Web Site is made available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and Grissom Law, LLC.