Wills and trusts are the foundation of any comprehensive estate plan. While some individuals may not need to establish trusts, though, everyone should have a will. This document is essential, regardless of your financial situation or family dynamic. Here are just a few reasons why you should draft a will sooner rather than later. 

3 Reasons You Need a Will 

1. To Maintain Control 

Wills and trusts give individuals the opportunity to maintain some control over their estate even after passing. If you die without a will, the laws of intestate succession will determine how your earthly possessions are distributed. These statutes vary from state to state, and although they prioritize immediate family members, their distribution methods may not necessarily be the ones you would have used. 

2. To Mitigate Potential Disputes 

When significant assets are at stake, even the most levelheaded individuals can act out of character. And if anyone contests the proceedings, it will result in lengthy delays, costly legal proceedings, and countless headaches for all parties involved. Disputes among surviving family members are especially common when someone dies intestate because each claims to know the deceased’s last wishes. As long as your will is legally binding, though, and its terms are unambiguous, you can prevent various issues during probate. 

3. To Make Charitable Donations

The laws of intestate succession do not account for charitable donations. If you want to ensure your legacy lives on by supporting the causes you value, it is essential to create a will. In the terms of this document, you can leave certain portions of the estate to your favorite organizations. 

If you want to learn more about the role wills and trusts play in protecting loved ones after your passing, turn to the knowledgeable probate law attorneys at Dyer & Rusbridge, P.C. Based in Canton, GA, this full-service firm is comprised of seasoned lawyers who have more than 50 years of combined experience representing individuals, businesses, and government agencies throughout Cherokee County. No legal dispute is too large or too small for their team. To explore all their areas of expertise, visit their website, or call (770) 479-7418 to get the answers to your questions about wills and trusts today.