We heard recently “Oh, I did a will….twenty years ago.” The good news is they thought ahead – the bad news is enough has probably happened so that the will needs updating. Someone who’s a retired attorney is calling in this week with that exact situation.
People have so many preconceived ideas – I don’t have much, so I don’t need a will; if I draft a will, something bad will happen (stop and think – BETTER you had that will, the something bad was going to happen anyway – It DIDN’T HAPPEN BECAUSE YOU WROTE ONE); I’ll spend it while alive, leave nothing (the ten who told me that died unexpectedly – THEY have no regrets in the grave, but their heirs do).
Go to OTHER “Probate Lawyers” sites; particularly their blogs. Most all of them will give you all the explanations and reasons why a will is so important.
Ran into the post office mail carrier. He’s over 50. No will. Told him of our mutual friend who I blogged about who said on a Friday, “Remind me Carol, to have Alex draft a will next week.” Then died Sunday. Scared him enough to take a card. We’ll see if phone rings. We’re not going to back off on this – EVERYONE 50+ needs to make arrangements. Strokes are not planned events.
