Writing Your Will– Why, When and What to Include
October 13, 2004
by David B. South
 David B. South, President of the Monolithic Dome Institute |
Many times I asked my mother to make a will. She always had an excuse why she didn't get it done. The real reason was she did not want to face the daunting task of deciding which of her six children would get what. The problem is real. How do you divide up 1 grand piano, 1 rifle, 1 special quilt, or toughest of all-- the family farm? Mom did not know who wanted what. She loved them all and wanted to treat all alike. But it cannot be done.
It is certainly not possible, necessary, wise, or even fair for all children be treated equally for an estate. Some have received their inheritance by the parents by helping them through school or setting them up in a business. Only the parents can judge what should be done. Hopefully they have the courage to step up and get a will written.
A will does not need to be a formal thing. Yes, it's good to have an attorney's assistance, but they do not know what you really want either. They simply have check lists to use. They need you to inform them of your wishes. If the estate is large, an estate planner may be needed.
Hand Written Wills
At the very least, hand write a will. Sign it, date it and put it where your heirs will know where it is and have access to it. It is far better than no will at all. The holographic (hand written) will is the most sacred of all wills. They are almost never overturned by a challenge. So do not be afraid to write one and change it as often as is needed.
It does not matter if you are rich or poor, old or young, you need a will. This is especially true if you have minor children. If you die and your spouse inherits everything -- no big deal. But what if both parents are killed at the same time. Who do you want to decide who raises your children? A judge will decide for you if you don't. Who do you want managing your money for the benefit of your children? That same judge will if you do not have it written in a will.
If you do not have a will -- sit down and write it now, not tomorrow! At the very least, write down who will be the guardian of your children and who will be the executor.
While the children are young you might want the total estate used to help get the children raised and educated. Then, whatever is left get distributed at that time. The instructions to the administrator may be to channel money to the guardian at a specified rate.
Do your posterity a huge favor: think it out and write it down. Your children will be very grateful.
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