The short answer? Yes.
The long answer? Yes, you absolutely do need a will, without doubt.
But in all seriousness, every adult should have a will (and, in some instances, so should children).
If you answered yes to any of the following, then you should have a will:
- You are alive.
- You own something – anything!
- You would like to try to make things at least a little easier for those you leave behind when you die.
- You would rather have a say in the matter than leave it up to the law.
The excuses
I often hear excuses why people believe they do not need a will.
For example, “I don’t need a Will, I don’t…..
- ...have any assets”. What about superannuation – have you considered where that will go when you die? What about your personal items (jewellery, family photos, your beloved pets, even the very clothes on your back)?
- …plan on dying”. Me either. But I have a will. People cannot predict the future; we do not know what is around the corner. Get it off your to do list and be prepared.
- …want to think about it yet. Maybe when I’m older.” Fact: young people die. Mistakes happen. So do not make the mistake of not having a will.
- …care what happens. My family can fight it out.” Okay, so I don’t hear this one a lot, but I do hear it. But are you sure you do not care, even a little bit? What about charities you are interested in?
- …intend on having anything left. I’m going to spend it all!” Whilst this may be your intention, you will more than likely leave something behind. Wills are also not just about specifying where you want your assets to go, but also who you want as the person in charge as your executor and to represent you when you are gone. Somebody needs to do this job, and you can specify this person in your will.
You need a Will. Absolutely you do. Do it for you. Do it for your family. And do it for everyone else who might have to deal with your estate or legal representative when you are gone.
