Today’s topic, “Writing a Will in Cincinnati, Ohio – Do I Really Need One?” can make some folks uncomfortable. I get that. Did you know that about 50% of adults in the US don’t have a will? So if you don’t, you’re definitely in good company. But let’s face it, and I promise you, I’m not trying to be sarcastic here … 100% of adults in the US will die. By not writing a will, and keeping it updated, you are ensuring your heirs are left with what can be a long, expensive, emotionally draining, and stressful mess. First let’s talk about what happens if you die – let’s be honest, when you die, and DON’T have a will. Legally here in Ohio, the law considers you to have died intestate. Let’s review the various scenarios of what happens next.
Scenario #1 – You didn’t write a will, you die AND you have no living relatives whatsoever. This scenario is straightforward. By not having a will and no heirs you’ve just handed your hard- earned assets to the State of Ohio. They’ll be happy to accept them but is that what you had in mind when you bought your house or invested in those really nice antiques? Just giving it all to the state? I wouldn’t think so.
Scenario #2 – Writing a will was just something you and your spouse never got around to doing. You figured if something happens to the other, AKA death, the surviving spouse inherits everything. Yes – you are correct if you don’t have a blended family. HOWEVER, without a will your grieving spouse must now negotiate the whole probate process. It can be complicated and not something anyone would want for their grieving spouse. Plus, he/she will likely need to hire an attorney to help.
Scenario #3 – Perhaps you and your spouse meant to get around to writing a will but never did. And let’s say you have what is now called a “blended” family, your kids, your spouse’s kids, and maybe one or two together. And probably ex-spouses, your siblings, maybe even your parents are still alive. I don’t want to scare you here but in this situation, things can become a hot mess quickly. First, your surviving spouse is grieving for you and now, he or she is forced to suffer through the probate process AND perhaps have to deal with your ex-spouse demanding this or that. Or your brother claiming you promised him some item upon your death. It doesn’t matter because if you didn’t write a will, and keep it updated, the state will make the decisions about who gets what and it may very well not be how you would have wanted it.
Writing a will and specifying what you want to happen upon your death is not only a smart thing to do but a caring thing as well. As evidenced in all three scenarios – not having a will when you die is not a good situation. Even in scenario #1, you could have left your assets to a favorite charity or your best friend – wouldn’t that be better than the State of Ohio getting everything? And in the other two scenarios think of your spouse and family members – not planning ahead means you’re leaving them with a complicated and potentially costly mess.
I want you to know that writing a will here in Cincinnati doesn’t have to be complicated or costly but it is the RIGHT thing to do. I hope, if you’re “on the fence” about writing your will you’ll take this opportunity to contact me. I’d be honored to help you and I promise you, you’ll love the peace of mind once you’ve taken care of it. Check out my website at www.davidlefton.com or call me to schedule an appointment at 513-399-7526.