Protect What Matters Most This Make-A-Will Month
August is National Make-A-Will Month, a time to think about the people, places, and causes you want to care for in the future.
At The Phoenix Theatre Company, we spend a lot of time thinking about stories. The stories shared on our stages. The stories passed between generations. The stories that help people feel connected, seen, and understood.
A will is one way to care for your own story.
It allows you to make thoughtful decisions about your wishes, protect the people you love, and support the causes that matter to you. Many people put off making a will because they think they are too young, do not have enough assets, or assume their family already knows what they would want.
But a will is not only for people with significant wealth. It is an important planning tool for adults of many ages and life stages.
Why is it important to have a will?
A will gives you the ability to decide what happens to your property and personal belongings after your lifetime. Without one, those decisions may be left to the courts and state law, which may not reflect your wishes.
Creating a will can also give your loved ones clarity during an already difficult time. Instead of asking them to guess what you would have wanted, you can leave clear instructions that help guide them with care.
What happens without a will?
When someone passes away, their estate often goes through a legal process called probate. Having a will can help make that process clearer by naming the person you trust to manage your estate and carry out your wishes.
Without a will, the court may need to appoint someone to handle those responsibilities. That can take time, add expense, and create unnecessary stress for family members and loved ones.
Making a will is a practical step, but it is also a kind one. It helps reduce confusion and gives the people closest to you a path forward.
Protecting your children’s future
For parents, a will can include one of the most important decisions they may ever make: naming a guardian for minor children.
A guardian is the person you would want to care for your children if you were no longer able to. While it can be difficult to think about, making that choice in advance can offer peace of mind. It allows you to name someone you trust, someone who understands your values, and someone you believe would provide the love and care your children need.
Without that guidance, the decision may be left to the court.
Making sure your pets are cared for
Pets are family too. Without instructions, their future is left to chance.
A will can help ensure your pets are cared for by someone you trust. You can name a person to take them in, leave instructions for their care, and, in some cases, set aside funds to help support that responsibility.
It may seem like a small detail, but for anyone who has loved an animal, it matters. A will helps make sure they are not left without a plan.
A little planning goes a long way
People delay making a will for many reasons. It can feel uncomfortable, overwhelming, or easy to push to another day.
But creating a will is not only about preparing for the end of life. It is about caring for the people, places, and causes that have mattered throughout your life.
With a will, you can protect your loved ones, make your wishes known, provide for those in your care, and shape the legacy you leave behind.
This National Make-A-Will Month, consider taking the next step. Whether you are creating your first will or reviewing an existing one, it is an act of care that can offer peace of mind today and clarity for the future.
To learn more about including The Phoenix Theatre Company in your estate plans, please contact Julia Haase at j.haase@phoenixtheatre.com.
Additional Resources:
Note: This information is intended for general educational purposes and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Please consult an attorney or qualified advisor when making estate planning decisions.
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