Have you ever heard that old expression “Where there is a will there is a way “? It had nothing to do with Last Wills & Testaments or codicils. It has to do with a strong desire to achieve or accomplish something.

There are a lot of folks with a strong determination to achieve that have completely overlooked that other thing called Last Will & Testament.

Many young people never give it a thought. If they do they keep putting it off for various reasons. Perhaps it is to somber to think about death or they don’t have much, why have a will? or they know should but have plenty of time to think about it.

Everything goes to their survivor anyway doesn’t it ? Not necessarily, read on.

There are some real horror stories of young couples dying suddenly without a will. Both husband and wife are taken, the kids survive. Who get them ? There are two sets of Grandparents who may want to claim them. Perhaps there are no grandparents or close relatives that you would want to have your kids. Who gets custody ? The State often winds up making that decision for you.

If a husband dies and leaves no will the wife must petition the State to become the executrix or administrator of her husband's estate. If he left considerable assets the State may claim part of it for inheritance tax. Even if the estate is small the wife still must go through the hassle of a lengthy legal process.

You may think it could never happen to you, but don’t bet on it . My brother-inlaw was a disabled war veteran. When he entered service he was not married so he made his sister and brother his insurance beneficiaries. After his discharge he bought a small house in just his name. later he married my sister but he never changed titles or insurance beneficiaries. After four children were born he died.

Fortunately , his sister and brother turned over their monthly insurance checks and his pension to my sister. Later she wanted to sell the house and move nearer to her relatives but was not allowed to do so. The court finally gave permission to sell the house if the money was placed in escrow until all the children were of age or buy another house and place the title only in the Children’s name.

There is more frustration and heartache in this story but this should be sufficient to convince any individual or couple have an attorney draw up a will to make sure your wishes are carried out. Having a will is not a huge expense and could save your survivors untold additional heartaches and legal problems.

As a good steward have a will do it for your spouse, do it for your children. DO IT NOW!