Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and several others passed away in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
I am still in shock over this tragedy. I’m not a sports fan, but I watched Kobe off the courts. As if I personally knew him, I was excited for the next chapter of his life: post-NBA. Kobe the #GirlsDad.
I’m sure after hearing the news, like many, you began to reflect on your own life and family. Thinking not only about your current situation but also your future. Planning ahead in great detail for your final days and your death, ensuring your affairs are in order, is of the utmost importance. Because, as you can see, life is short—life is precious and in an instant anything can happen.
After someone passes I always tell my family, “Make sure you have a will. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just a few lines sharing your wishes.” I have heard so many times about families arguing over the wishes of the deceased and where this person would want to be laid to rest. The difficult conversation is a must, and choices have to be made. Do it now so that your family and loved ones will not have to worry about it when the time comes, and you can leave them with true peace of mind on this.
Here are five ways to write your will:
Last Will and Testament …
Introduce yourself by stating your full name, address, date of birth, social security number, and your age. Identify that this is your last will and testament.
I Will . . .
Choose someone you trust who will be able to execute the directions of your will. Your spouse, an older child, extended family member, etc. This responsibility is not to be taken lightly, therefore choose someone who has a strong character for following through.
Will you?! . . .
The hardest part about writing a will when you have children is coming to terms that one day you won’t be there. You hope and pray you will live long enough to see the big milestones: kindergarten, grade school, high school, teaching them how to drive, first boyfriend/girlfriend, college, career, marriage, buying a home, grandchildren; but you have to be realistic and make the tough choices. Who will inherit your most prized possession(s)? Who can handle the responsibility that has no price? Assign guardianship if needed.
Make a Will List or two . . .
List one will identify all the assets you consider valuable and the persons who will receive them.
List two will be your wish list. Your wish list will entail any demands you have. For example, if you have young children and have written them letters for them to open when they turn eighteen, put this request in your will along with the name of the person you wish to deliver the letters to your children at that time.
Final Will Steps . . .
Get two witnesses and head over to your local notary to sign the will. Your last will and testament will not be valid unless it’s notarized and has the signatures of two witnesses.
You can be as simple or complex as you like. After all, it’s your will. As I get up in age I plan to revise my will and arrange my funeral details down to the color. I wish for my family to not have to worry about anything but their mental and emotional well-being and celebrating life.
Legal Zoom offers a DIY will service starting at $39 to help you plan for you and your family.
Be protected.
