At the beginning of a near year, many people resolve to pursue hobbies and interests or set new fitness goals. While many of these endeavors are worthwhile, developing a plan to ensure financial security for your family is invaluable to their future. This year, there are some compelling reasons to make establishing a will or trust and other estate planning tasks your most important resolution.

Why You Should Create a Will or Trust

1. Ensure Your Wishes Are Respected

Regardless of how often you verbally express your wishes regarding the division of assets after your death, a will or trust is the only way to ensure they’re carried out. If you pass away without an estate plan, your belongings will be distributed according to the laws of your state, without any regard for your preferences or the relationships you cultivated in life.

2. Choose a Guardian for Your Children

If you pass away without an estate plan, who will care for your children? You might expect that the person closest to you will assume the role, but judges typically choose a blood relative, irrespective of your desires. Nominating a guardian in your will allows you to select the individual you trust most to care for your loved ones.

3. Prevent Family Conflicts

After a death, closely knit families can fall into conflict, even if you don’t own significant assets. A will or trust that clearly expresses your wishes reduces the friction, especially if it includes all your belongings, including items of emotional significance.

If you’re ready to start the estate planning process, turn to the compassionate legal team at Wills and Trusts Hawaii in Honolulu. Because they focus exclusively on this practice area, you can rely on their estate planning attorneys to help you make critical decisions and draft documents that will express your wishes with no ambiguity. To schedule an initial consultation and begin discussing your will or trust, call their offices at (808) 792-8777 or visit their website now.