The short answer is yes.

Wills are important because two things are inevitable in life – death and taxes. The problem is that nobody wants to discuss either subject, though I think more people are willing to talk about taxes over end-of-life planning.

Wills are morbid but essential to speak of; it’s the final mark someone can leave on this earth. People do not realize the burden on families when a Will is unavailable. It is the last say someone can have about their possessions and where they want them to go. Some people choose to leave stuff to their family. Some people leave things to friends or influential people in their life. Some people decide to give to a non-profit. 

No matter what, there is no wrong answer to what you want to do. It is your stuff, and you can decide to who you want to leave your estate.

The most significant excuse people use for not making a will is money. Some say their estate is too small, so they do not need one. Others say they need more money to pay for estate planning. These excuses may not be accurate.

What options are available to get a will?

• Option 1 is to hire a local attorney to draw up a Will for you. 
• Option 2 is to look up an online legal organization to draft one, then sign and notarize it.
• Option 3 is to get a Will form from an office supply store, fill it out, and get it notarized.
• Option 4, which depends upon your state, is to handwrite your entire Will and sign it, though some states require a witness (someone who will not benefit from it). If you handwrite your Will, check the internet for your state requirements to ensure it is valid. 

Having an attorney write your Will would be your best option since they should know all the laws for your state. If you cannot afford an attorney, look at your other options. 

Wills are essential. Everyone should have a Will. While people tend to think parents are the only ones that need estate planning, that is not true. 18 is the minimum age to establish one; it is best to address this while you are of sound mind. Plus, you get to decide who gets what in your Will.

STAGES is here to Educate you while aging.