Public Service Announcement

[ravnsdaughter]

As some of you know, my day job is working as a legal assistant. I work specifically in the areas of family (divorce, separation, etc.) and wills and estates. This means I know lots about the legal stuff that can happen when a couple splits up (and what they're legally entitled to and not entitled to), and lots about what happens when someone dies. Unfortunately, technically I am not allowed to give out information that would be considered legal advice, because I'm "only" a legal assistant. (and don't get me started on this topic, because I could rant for hours).

I think I'm pretty safe in saying the following, however:

Did you know that if you die without a Will, it has the potential to cause one hell of a mess for your surviving friends and family? If you have children, you should have a Will. If you own property, you should have a Will. If you have any substantial amount of savings or investments, you should have a Will.

If you don't have kids and all you have is debt, seriously, don't bother. LOL.

I have seen too many files that have caused huge headaches for all involved (including me!) because the person didn't bother making a Will. I've seen DNA tests have to be run, I've seen big fights over whether someone was or wasn't a common-law partner, and I've seen people not get what they should've gotten because of other greedy people.

Wills don't have to cost you a fortune, and despite what a lawyer will tell you, you do NOT have to get them to draft it for you.

(and if you are a friend of mine, live in Canada, and need a will... talk to me. Jus' sayin.)

Comments

[libwitch.livejournal.com]

(I don't know how it works in Canada....but for people in the States) If you are in the States, regardless of assess or children (or lack thereof), you should have a living will/medical proxy *at least* (even if you do not have a will for anything else) even if you are married. In many states, when you turn 18, there is no automatic decision over who gets to make decisions if you are too ill (or well, dead) to make them yourself - even if you are married. And there have been some very nasty court cases over who gets those decisions - parents, spouses, or significant others.

[ravnsdaughter.livejournal.com]

Good point. I've done a few Living Wills at my previous workplace, but not here, and I'm not sure on the rules with that stuff. I should look into it.

[phaeba.livejournal.com]

Excellent reminder! I just updated my living will a couple of weeks ago, and we both have a standard will in place (with copies sent to the appropriate extended family members who have agreed to take on responsibility if that time comes). We used Will Maker by Quicken and it walks you through everything.

[brienze.livejournal.com]

In the US, if you're a same-sex couple or in a common-law relationship, you especially need a will. Because somewhere there will be a blood relative who's pissed off by your relationship, and they will put your partner through hell.

Signed,
Shackin' up in TX for the past 16 yrs

[ravnsdaughter.livejournal.com]

Good point! Especially for same-sex couples in the US, considering most states have no respect for what should be a human right.

[fearthainn.livejournal.com]

Yes, yes, and yes. Grief and money can make people do crazy things and a well-drawn will can keep the headaches to a minimum. Found that out after my dad died.

[ravnsdaughter.livejournal.com]

Money especially... which is really sad. I'm sorry you had to go through that.

[acousticdryad.livejournal.com]

I've been looking into get my own Will recently, and one for my dad.

[ravnsdaughter.livejournal.com]

Definitely a good idea, especially considering how well you're doing with the debt thing, plus you own a property.

[pikestaff.livejournal.com]

Super off-topic but now I'm inspired to make a post about what you should & should not do regarding fish tanks (since that's my job!)

[ravnsdaughter.livejournal.com]

Hee! Good idea, and a post I could use, too! I have a 3 gallon tank in my living area that doesn't have any fish in it right now, and I'm debating what to do with it. I'm actually thinking right now it'd be better off as a terrarium, I'm not very good at fishkeeping.