Monday, March 2, 2009

Let it Snow, let it Snow, let it Snow


Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling!! I love watching the snow fall on the already white color landscape and admiring the trees brushed with still just a dusting of snow on their branches. My daughter and her friends are already out in the winter wonderland while I take in the warmth of the fireplace with my laptop companion. It's a SNOW DAY!!! What are you going to do with yours? Of course, I want to encourage you to start getting somethings checked off of your list so that you are closer to getting to what matters most. It is on your list but may not be done yet!! It is your WILL. It either needs to be done or to be updated. No time like the present to jot down your ideas. Write your thoughts and your feelings regarding your assets and those whom would serve as the recipients of those assets upon your demise. Create a picture of your life with words. Let your estate planning attorney deal with the legal wording.

People ask what are the legal requirements of a will anyway. In Pennsylvania your will can be handwritten. You have to sign your will at the end of the writing. If you are over 18 and of sound mind, you have a valid will. No need for witnesses or notary. Now that being said, though they may not be legally required, they are highly recommended and of course I never do a will without them. Why, you ask? Because, I say. My daughter would then respond, because Why??

Well, let me just share this story. Remember when billionaire recluse Howard Hughes died, from accounts of that time, it appeared that he had not left a will. Attorneys and executives of Hughes's corporations began an intensive search to find a will, while speculation grew that Hughes might have left a handwritten will. The problem a handwritten creates is the element of proof. Since there were no witnesses and no notary, numerous "forged" wills were presented as Howard Hughes' will. Do not leave your final affairs to that level of speculation and potential misdeeds. A couple of witnesses and a notary seal are not that much to ask to make sure your billions get into the right hands!!!

Check out my upcoming book, Stop! What are you waiting for? Your Essential Guide to Estate Planning.

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