Why Should I Make a Will?

by Bob Iannozzi Jr.

A will, also called a "last will and testament," is a significant, yet simple tool that helps you protect your family and property. By way of a will, you can:

• leave your property to people, organizations, or institutions;

• name an executor, the person who makes sure that the terms of your will are carried out;

• name a trusted person to manage property you leave to minor children; and

• name a personal guardian to care for your minor children.

In Pennsylvania, if you die without a will, your property will be distributed according to the state’s "intestacy" laws — without any contemplation of your wishes. Specifically, Pennsylvania intestacy law gives your property to your closest relatives, beginning with your spouse and children. If you have neither a spouse nor children, your grandchildren or your parents will get your property. This list continues with increasingly distant relatives, including siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. If the court exhausts this list to find that you have no living relatives by blood or marriage, the state will take your property.

Having a will ensures that the distribution of your property is specifically tailored to your wishes.

You’ve worked too hard to allow your property to be generically distributed without any contemplation of your wishes.

DBD attorneys Jack Dooley and Bob Iannozzi are extremely knowledgeable with estate planning. Contact us today to begin your estate plan so your property will be distributed in accord with your wishes. The hour or so consult is worth it and so are you!