Do I need a Will? Yes, you really do.

Here are 10 reasons you need a Last Will and Testament:

1. You are going to die.

Death is one of the two certain things in life. (The other is taxes.)

2. Peace of Mind

Putting your legal affairs in order can give you tremendous peace of mind. You don’t want to leave a mess for your loved ones to clean up after you are gone.

3. A Gift to Your Family

Having your legal affairs in order is such a wonderful gift for your family. There is typically less hassle and stress on them after you pass away.

4. Back-up Plan

You don’t think you need a Will because you have all your assets passing outside of probate. But what if you’re wrong? What if you failed to name a beneficiary on your life insurance policy after your husband passed away? What if the co-owner of your joint bank account passed away before you? You need a Will to serve as your back-up plan.

5. You Decide Who Inherits from You

With a Will, you decide who inherits your probate assets. You can leave your pets to your sister, disinherit another family member, leave money to your favorite charity, etc.

6. You Decide What Happens to Your Assets

With a Will, you decide what happens to your probate assets. Without a Will, the Ohio Statute of Descent and Distribution dictates how your property will be distributed.

7. Name an Executor

You can (and should) nominate someone to serve as the Executor of your probate estate. If you don’t, someone will have to apply to be the Administrator and will be required to post a fiduciary bond.

8. Nominate a Guardian

You can (and should) nominate someone to serve as the Guardian of your minor children in case something happens to you before your children are 18.

9. For Your Living Trust

Even if you have a Revocable Living Trust, you need what’s called a “Pour Over Will.” Your Will will “pour over” any assets that are still in your name into your Trust at your death.

10. You Get to Act Like a Responsible Adult

Yes, signing a Will and other estate planning documents is the “adult” thing to do. You will feel proud that you acted like a responsible adult by getting this done.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!