Who Needs a Will and Why
A lot of people think wills are only for the rich or the elderly. But honestly? Everyone should have one. No matter your age, income, or family situation, a will is one of the smartest and kindest things you can do for the people you care about. Through the GriefShare program, I hear a lot of stories of pain and frustration from survivors whose loved one died without a will. Not only does this add time and cost to settling an estate, it adds more grief, frustration and even anger to those left behind.
What Is a Will, Exactly?
A will (or last will and testament) is a legal document that says what happens to your things, your money, and even your kids or pets after you pass away. If you don’t have a will, the government decides all that for you — and their choices might not match what you would’ve wanted.
Who Really Needs a Will?
Short answer: pretty much everyone. But here’s why it’s especially important for certain people:
1. Parents of Young Kids If you have children under 18, a will lets you name a guardian — the person who would take care of them if something happened to you. Without one, a court decides, and it might not be the person you’d choose.
2. Homeowners If you own a home or property, a will makes sure it goes to the right people. It also helps your family avoid unnecessary stress or legal headaches.
3. Married or Common-Law Couples Even if you share everything, a will helps make things official and clear. In some places, common-law partners don’t automatically have the same rights as married couples — which can cause problems later.
4. Blended Families If you or your partner have kids from previous relationships, a will helps everyone know what’s fair and expected. It keeps things from getting messy or emotional down the road.
5. Single Adults Even if you don’t have a spouse or kids, you still have things that matter — savings, a car, heirlooms, or even your social media accounts. A will lets you decide what happens to them and who takes care of your affairs.
6. Business Owners If you run a business, a will helps decide who takes over or what happens to your share. It keeps your hard work from going to waste.
Why Having a Will Matters
A will isn’t just about dividing stuff — it’s about protecting your loved ones and giving them peace of mind. Here’s what it does for you (and them):
1. Keeps you in control. Without a will, the government decides who gets what. A will makes sure you make those decisions.
2. Takes care of your family. It helps make sure your loved ones are looked after and your wishes are clear.
3. Prevents family fights. When your wishes are in writing, there’s less room for confusion or arguments later.
4. Can save time and money. With good planning, a will can make things smoother and cheaper for your family when settling your estate.
5. Easy to update. You can (and should!) update your will whenever your life changes — like getting married, having kids, or buying a home.
Getting Started
Making a will doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. You can:
Work with a lawyer for personal advice
Use a trusted online will service if your situation is simple
Review it every few years to keep it up to date
Final Thoughts
Having a will isn’t about being morbid — it’s about being responsible and caring. It’s one of the best ways to protect the people and things that matter most to you. So whether you’re just starting out or well established, take the time to make a will.
It’s peace of mind for you, and a huge gift for your loved ones.
Photo by Melinda Gimpel on Unsplash
