It’s easy to assume that the wealthiest people have it all figured out. But even celebrities can overlook estate planning. And really, who wants to think about death? Until you seriously consider what will happen when you’re gone, creating a will can feel like a morbid chore you put off. But the truth is: having a will is critical—regardless of your wealth, age, or health.
Celebrities are often in the spotlight for mistakes many of us make ourselves. When superstar musician Prince died suddenly, he left no will—and the management of his substantial estate became a legal mess filled with complications, delays, and unnecessary costs. You may not have as much to protect as Prince did, but here are just a few reasons why you should make sure you have a will in place:
You Choose Who Manages Your Estate
Your will allows you to name the person you trust to carry out your wishes and manage your affairs. Without it, a court will choose someone, possibly not the person you’d want.
You Decide Who Inherits What
You can name beneficiaries and exclude anyone you wouldn’t want to inherit. A will ensure your assets are passed on according to your wishes, not the state’s.
You Protect Your Children
If you have minor children, your will allows you to name long-term legal guardians. But don’t rely on a will alone, it won’t cover immediate care if something happens to you suddenly, nor will it protect your kids in the event of incapacity. And it won’t stop someone you’d never choose from petitioning to raise your children.
You Support the People and Causes You Love
A will lets you leave gifts or donations to friends, loved ones, or charities—beyond your legal family. Without it, your estate follows default legal rules that may not reflect your values.
A Will Isn’t Enough
While a will is important, it has limits. A will does not keep your family out of court. It does not prevent conflict among loved ones. And it will not prevent your children from being taken into protective custody—even temporarily—if something happens to you.
A will is just one part of a comprehensive estate plan. To fully protect your wishes, your family, and your legacy, you need more than a simple will.
Start with an Estate Planning Session
If you’re ready to take meaningful steps toward protecting the people you love and the legacy you want to leave, start by sitting down with an estate planning attorney.
As your estate planning attorney, we will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating an estate plan that reflects your values and protects what matters most. Our Estate Planning Session is designed to help you get clear on how to protect everyone and everything that is important to you.
Before your session, we’ll send you a planning worksheet that will help you think through your assets and priorities—so we can build a plan that’s truly right for you.
Let Us Help You Protect What Matters Most
We help you create a comprehensive Estate Plan that may include tools like trusts to protect your assets, maintain your privacy, and ensure your loved ones are cared for—without the headaches of court or the increased chances of conflict
How We Help
At The Parents Estate Planning Law Firm, we help you protect your assets and loved ones. We provide ongoing support to ensure your plan evolves with your life changes and works when you and your loved ones need it most. We will help you make informed decisions throughout your life. By planning today, you can have peace of mind knowing your wishes will be honored, your family’s future will be safeguarded, and your legacy will be kept private.
Click here to schedule a complimentary 15-minute call to get started!
