Creating a Will: The First Step in Protecting Your Family’s Future

As a stay-at-home parent, you’re always thinking about how to protect your family. With one eye watching your kids, you also plan nutritious meals, organize schedules, and provide safe transportation to school and activities.

But have you thought about how to protect them in the event of the unthinkable?

As we wrap up National Write a Will Month, now is the perfect time to protect your family’s future through the creation of a will. Or if you already have one, dust it off and review it to make sure it still reflects your and your partner’s current wishes.

While a will is only one part of properly planning for “what-if”, it’s a great start that by itself offers important peace of mind for your family’s future.

Why a Will Matters – Even if You’re Not “Wealthy”

One of the biggest misconceptions about wills is that they’re only for the wealthy or those with complicated estates. The truth is, if you have kids under the age of 18 or any assets—whether that’s a house, a car, or even just a savings account—you need a will. A will expresses how you wish your children to be cared for and by whom if anything should happen to you. It also ensures that your assets and important possessions are distributed according to your wishes.

Getting Started: Take Inventory

The first step to getting started is to consider what you’d like to happen to your kids if something happens to you, and to take inventory of your assets and meaningful possessions.

With your partner, talk to different family members and friends about caring for your kids. Consider their current situation and willingness to step up in your absence. While having a big house, good job, and kids that are the same age as your kids makes your sister a great fit, they may have something going on that might not allow them to step up. And if your kids are older, get their input, too. Being part of the conversation will go a long way in their ability to transition to a new living situation if something happens to you.

While inventorying your possessions, only make note of assets and meaningful possessions. You don’t need to bequeath every hammer, chair, or book.

Overcoming Resistance and Taking Action

Another misconception is that creating a will is expensive or complicated. Attorney fees for a basic will are reasonable, usually no more than a few hundred dollars. Online services and templates are also available for even less money to help guide you through the process step by step. And remember, it’s better to have something in writing, even if it’s a basic DIY will, than to have nothing at all.

If your partner is resistant to the idea of creating a will, don’t let that stop you. You can still start the process on your own. Research your options, talk to friends or family for attorney referrals, or explore online will kits. Taking that first step will make it easier to bring your partner on board later.

Your Call to Action: Start Now

Here’s what you can do today:

1. Take inventory: How do you want your kids cared for and what possessions and assets do you care enough about to want to have a say in who takes ownership.

2. Talk to your partner: Start the conversation about why a will is important. Share your concerns and work together to plan for the future.

3. Explore your options: Whether you choose to contact an attorney, ask for referrals, or use a DIY will kit, take that first step towards getting something in writing.

Creating a will might feel daunting, but it’s an essential part of protecting your family. And once it’s done, the peace and relief you’ll feel is priceless.

We hope this tip is helpful. If you have found other tips or resources to be helpful, shoot us a note and tell us about them.

Cheers!

Corey

P.S. Don’t forget to check out our free downloads to help in your personal end-of-life planning.