意志的力量

Only one-third of adults have an estate strategy document such as a will in place, 这可能并不完全令人惊讶. No one wants to be reminded of their own mortality or spend too much time thinking about what might happen once they’re gone.¹

但意志是权力的工具. Creating one gives you control over the distribution of your assets. 如果你死的时候没有一个, the state decides what becomes of your property without regard to your priorities.

A will is a legal document by which an individual or a couple (known as “testator”) identifies their wishes regarding the distribution of their assets after death. A will can typically be broken down into four main parts.

1. Executors - Most wills begin by naming an executor. Executors are responsible for carrying out the wishes outlined in a will. This involves assessing the value of the estate, 收集资产, paying inheritance tax and other debts (if necessary), and distributing assets among beneficiaries. It’s recommended that you name at least two executors, in case your first choice is unable to fulfill the obligation.

2. Guardians - A will allows you to designate a guardian for your minor children. 无论你任命谁, you will want to make sure beforehand that the individual is able and willing to assume the responsibility. 对很多人来说, this is the most important part of a will since, 如果你死的时候没有指定监护人, the court will decide who takes care of your children.

3. Gifts - This section enables you to identify people or organizations to whom you wish to give gifts of money or specific possessions, 比如珠宝或汽车. 你也可以指定有条件的礼物, such as a sum of money to a young daughter, 但只有当她到了一定的年龄.

4. 房地产 - Your estate encompasses everything you own, 包括不动产, 金融投资, 现金, 个人物品. Once you have identified specific gifts you would like to distribute, you can apportion the rest of your estate in equal shares among your heirs, 或者你可以把它分成百分比. 例如, you may decide to give 45 percent each to two children and the remaining 10 percent to a sibling.

The law does not require that a will be drawn up by a professional, and some people choose to create their own wills at home. But where wills are concerned, there is little room for error. You will not be around when the will is read to correct technical errors or clear up confusion. 当你起草遗嘱时, consider enlisting the help of a legal or financial professional, especially if you have a large estate or complex family situation.

Preparing for the eventual distribution of your assets may not sound enticing. But remember, a will puts the power in your hands. You have worked hard to create a legacy for your loved ones. 你有权决定这件事的结果.

1. 有爱心的.com, 2023

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