What Is Make-A-Will Month?

Planning ahead isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about making life easier for the people you love. August is Make-A-Will Month, an annual reminder to do something many of us have been meaning to do for years: write a will.

It’s easy to put it off. Most people don’t like thinking about estate planning, and there are always more urgent priorities. But creating a will is one of the simplest ways to protect your family and make sure your wishes are honored. Whether you’re just starting a family, approaching retirement or somewhere in between, having a will can provide peace of mind for both you and the people you love.

What Is Make-A-Will Month?

Make-A-Will Month is observed every August to encourage people to create or update their wills. A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your property distributed after your death. It can also name guardians for minor children and provide instructions for handling your estate.

If you already have a will, August is a good time to make sure it still reflects your wishes. Marriages, divorces, births, deaths and major financial changes are all good reasons to review it.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a Will?

If you die without a will, state law determines how your estate is divided. That may not match what you would have wanted.

Without clear instructions, your family could face additional delays, legal expenses and difficult decisions during an already emotional time. If you have young children, the court may determine who will serve as their guardian.

A will doesn’t eliminate every challenge, but it gives your loved ones valuable guidance when they need it most.

A Will Is Only Part of the Plan

Many people are surprised to learn that a will doesn’t cover everything. You should also think about documents such as:

• A healthcare directive or living will
• A healthcare power of attorney
• A durable financial power of attorney
• Beneficiary designations for retirement accounts and life insurance policies

Your funeral wishes are another important part of planning ahead. In many cases, a will isn’t reviewed until after funeral arrangements have  been made. If you have preferences about burial or cremation, music, readings or the type of service you’d like, it’s important to share those wishes separately with your family or through funeral preplanning.

A New England Perspective

Families throughout New Hampshire and Vermont often have more than financial assets to think about. There may be a family camp that’s been enjoyed for generations. Antique furniture passed down from grandparents. Military memorabilia. A collection of fishing gear. A maple sugaring operation. Things that carry memories as much as value.

A will can help make sure those meaningful belongings go where you intended while reducing the chance of misunderstandings among family members. It can also make life easier when children and relatives now live in different states and need clear guidance during a difficult time.

Your Family Should Know More Than What’s in Your Will

A will covers the legal details. It doesn’t tell your family what kind of service you would want or what made your life unique.

• Would you like a traditional funeral or a celebration of life?
• Is there a favorite hymn or song that has special meaning?
• Are there photographs, keepsakes or family traditions that should be part of the service?

These are conversations your loved ones will appreciate having before they’re faced with making those decisions on their own.

A Good Time to Get Started

You don’t have to finish everything during Make-A-Will Month. Maybe this is the month you make an appointment with an attorney. Maybe you update an old will that’s been sitting in a drawer for years. Maybe you simply start talking with your family about your wishes.

Every step you take today is one less decision your loved ones will have to make later. We’ve seen the difference planning ahead can make. Families often tell us how comforting it is to know they’re carrying out the wishes of someone they love instead of wondering what that person would have wanted. That’s what Make-A-Will Month is really about. Giving your family one more gift before they ever need it.