Wills - Why do you need one?

If you own property of any type, car, home, business, personal possessions, you are probably not too worried about those things right now. After all, you own them and have the paperwork or documentation to prove your ownership. Seems like a nobrainer right?

But let's say while you are driving to work today you are tragically killed in an auto accident? What happens from that moment on to your possessions? Do they automatically go to your spouse, children or parents?

Although it varies in several states, generally your property will go to your spouse if you are married. But without a will, there is still a chance someone could contest their claim and hold your possessions up in court litigation for years.

That's right. Years.

And if an settlement cannot be reached, your home, car, furniture, valuables and even pets could be placed in receivership indefinitely until a settlement is reached in court. All because you did not have a legal will.

So what can you do? A few suggestions.

Check out your local bookstore and look for a legal kit or do it yourself will. They have them and some are pretty good. But face it, if you are not an attorney, you might be in trouble going it alone.

You can also check out some of the great legal form companies online like those from US Legal Forms. They have online forms you can fill out and you know they are lawyer approved and guaranteed.

Or you can consult your yellow pages or Legal Match for a pre-screened, certified lawyer.

Or you can do nothing. After all, without a legal will you have everything to lose and nothing to gain. Right?

Heath Ledger will leaves out Matilda

The late Australian actor, Heath Ledger, had a last will and testament, but it left nothing to his daughter Matilda or his former girlfriend, Michelle Williams.

Apparently, Ledger had not updated his will in some time and nearly all of his possessions and assets will go to his parents and other family members.

See more of the story here.

Do you have a legal will?

A will is a legal document which clearly outlines what should happen to your property upon your death. It is a fact that most states decide how property is allocated to survivors in instances where someone dies without a legal will.

Imagine if your children were not provided with financial support. Or your home was auctioned off and the proceeds given to an unfriendly relative who laid claim to your property in court.

Worse, imagine if the court and government took position of your property and held it, interest free, in probate for years while it decided what to do with your assets!

It can happen and it does happen to many every year who have no legal will.

Take the time now to consider what you can do today to prepare and provide for your assets and property. Get your legal will now.