There are many reason why it is important for you to draft and create a will, including:

• A last will and testament can direct where and to whom your estate (what you own) will go in the event of your death. If you died intestate (without a will), your estate would be distributed according to your state's law. Such distribution may or may not accord with your wishes.

• A last will and testament can be the simplest means of effecting one's wishes about how assets should be distributed. Many people try to avoid probate and the need for a will by holding all of their property jointly with their children. This can work, but often people spend unnecessary effort trying to make sure all the joint accounts remain equally distributed among their children. These efforts can be defeated by a long-term illness of the parent or the death of a child. Additionally, joint ownership may present many unforeseen risks.
  
  For example , if one of the other joint owners ( your son or daughter ) injures someone in a car crash, doesn’t have enough car insurance to cover the costs of the injury, and a judgment is obtained against your son or daughter; the injured party can take all of your money in that joint account because your child's name is on the account.

• Having a last will and testament can make the administration of your estate run smoothly. Often the probate process can be completed more quickly and at less expense to your estate if there is a will. With a clear expression of your wishes, there are unlikely to be any costly, time-consuming disputes over who gets what.

• Having a last will and testament is the only method which allows you to choose the person, whom you trust, to administer your estate and distribute your assets according to your instructions. This person is called your "executor" (or "executrix" if you appoint a woman) or "personal representative," depending on your state's statute (in Ohio that person is called the “ executor “ ; in Michigan , “ personal representative “). If you do not have a will which designates the executor of your will, the court will make the choice for you. The court often appoints the first person to ask for the post, whoever that may be.

• In the event you have a large estate, a well-planned will may help reduce estate taxes; easing the burden and further legal issues of your loved ones.

• Most importantly, should both you and your children's other parent both pass away, a last will and testament allows you to identify and appoint the person or person's, whom you trust, to take your place as guardian of your minor children.

Protect your legal rights and make sure your voice is heard. We are experienced and have the resources to handle all of your last will and testament and other estate law legal needs.

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