Estate planning plays an integral role in ensuring your final wishes are carried out upon your passing. Although there are several types of documents you may include in your plan, a last will and testament is one of the most essential. According to the elder law attorneys at MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. in Middletown, NY, creating a will makes it possible to outline a variety of important considerations that must be addressed after a person passes away. Below, they go over some of the most significant reasons to have a will.

Elder Law Attorneys Share Important Reasons to Draft a Will 

Prevent Intestate Succession

If you pass away without drafting a will, the state’s intestacy laws will determine how your assets will be distributed. This means the state will have complete control over who receives your property and in what proportion. Typically, spouses, children, and parents of the decedent are given priority under intestate succession. In turn, it’s likely that any other people or organizations you may have wanted to leave gifts or an inheritance for will not be considered. 

Appoint a Trusted Executor

Having a will also allows you to appoint an executor to oversee the administration of your estate. They will be in charge of making sure your final wishes are executed as you intended. Executors have many significant duties to fulfill, making it imperative that the position is occupied by someone you trust. Without a will designating who this person should be, elder law attorneys say it will be up to the court to decide who will perform this job. 

Reduce Family Conflict 

Emotions are generally heightened for family members after a loved one passes away. This can become intensified if there isn’t a will to help them determine how assets should be allocated. Writing a will that clearly states your desires reduces conflict and eliminates speculation over what family members think you would have wanted. 

If you need to draft a will, an elder law attorney at MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. in Middletown, NY, is here to ensure your loved ones are properly provided for in the future. With 133 years of experience, they have extensive knowledge when it comes to drafting and executing legal documents that will stand up in court. Give them a call today at (845) 343-3000 to schedule an initial consultation, and visit their website for more information on their services.