Many people do not have a will. It is suggested that more then 50% do not. Governments have rules they follow if there is no will and this may not be your desire. Hard earned money and lifelong savings can go to the government instead of family. It also means potential fighting over estate issues that could have been avoided with a will.
Seniors often have outdated wills. Or have not thought about assigning a Power of Attorney or Power of Care that highlights their wishes. This means if you become ill, family is open to fighting over your care needs. This is a lose-lose situation for you and your family. It simply causes unnecessary stress!
Executors may have been designated years before and now are dead or do not have the physical or mental health to be an executor. Do you need a new executor? You won’t believe this but we have worked with executors who had no idea they were executors until the will was read. You can download a simple, easy to use checklist to determine if you do need to change your executor here.
Beneficiaries may have also changed. We have worked with several seniors lately that have NO surviving children. The question is, “Who do they now want their estate to go to?” It could be a spouse of a child, grandchildren, a trust. Talk with your lawyer and address this if needed.
Also make sure an updated list of the names of the beneficiaries, with their current addresses, phone numbers and emails is available to make life easier for your executor.
Need some help finding a professional to help you? Contact us at Seniors Lifestyle Care.
