August is National Make-A-Will Month

​By Senior Associate Jeneva Vazquez - Updated 8/21/25

August is National Make-A-Will Month, and it’s the perfect reminder that one of the most important parts of planning for the future is taking control of what happens after you are gone.

If you don’t have a will establishing a plan for what happens after you die, the state has a plan for you. That plan is called the intestacy laws, and it may not look anything like what you would have chosen. When you create a will, you override those default rules and make your own decisions about what happens to your assets, your children, and your legacy.

Many people assume that if they pass away without a will, everything automatically goes to their spouse and children. However, depending on your family situation, how your assets are titled, and the laws in your state, the outcome could be very different and often more complicated.

When we meet with clients, we review their family structure and asset types, explain what the law says will happen if they have no plan, and compare that with what they actually want to happen. This analysis is different for every family, and it is often eye-opening.

What Does a Will Do?
A will lets you make intentional, informed choices:

• Choose your executor: Instead of the court picking someone, you name the person you trust most to manage your estate.
  
• Waive executor bond premiums: Potentially saving your estate and loved ones unnecessary expense.
  
• Direct how and to whom your assets are distributed: Whether to family, friends, or charities.
  
• Plan for minor children: Set up trusts or other mechanisms to ensure they are cared for financially, and name the guardian who will raise them. Without a will, these decisions are left to the courts, and access to funds for your children may be completely restricted.
  
• Exclude specific individuals: If you wish, you can ensure certain people do not inherit from you.
  
• Support causes you care about: Leave gifts to charitable organizations or other meaningful beneficiaries.
  

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A will is essential, but sometimes not enough. While it is a powerful tool, a will does not keep your estate out of probate. In our planning conversations, we also discuss whether a trust could be a beneficial addition. Trusts can offer more privacy, efficiency, and control, depending on your situation. We explain the difference between a will and a trust, and help you determine what combination of tools makes sense for your needs.
Making a will is about more than just paperwork. It is about having a say in what happens to everything you have worked hard to achieve and protecting the people and causes you care about most. National Make-A-Will Month is the perfect opportunity to take that important step.

If you don’t have a will, or if it has been years since you last reviewed yours, now is the time to make sure your plan reflects your current life, family, and goals. Get started today by contacting our office to discuss the planning process.