Top 10 Reasons Why Everybody Over 18 Should Have a Will

Published on: 18 January 2019 Last Updated on: 14 October 2024

Time does not stop for anyone, and life can often bring about unexpected circumstances that no one can ever be fully ready for. No one wants to think about the end of the line, but a little extra work now can help you care for your family even after you’re gone. It can be easy to assume that someone as young as 18 does not need a will. The spontaneity of life can prove this invalid, and also young people have many things that are worth money and could be lost in the shuffle.

Every person over the age of 18 should go about the process of getting a will just in case. When the time comes you will want everything to be in order to take the stress off of those already grieving. Look through this list of reasons and see if any apply to you or a young person you know, one is sure to.

1. Young People Have Valuable Possessions

Just because a person is barely considered an adult does not mean that they do not have any valuable possessions.

You wouldn’t want someone laying claim to something of yours just to sell it. Therefore, it should go to the right person.

The amount of money people spend on teenagers or children over the years is increasing.

Especially with the growing number of toys and technology that are accessible. Some young adults manage to accumulate a great amount of worth in video games, movies, or even dividends on the internet.

2. Children

When a young person passes away, children become orphans. Even if they do not have children now, one needs to predetermine a guardian.

This can happen if one creates a will with a correct and legal approach. Choose someone who you know will take the best care of your children. Someone who would be happy to, not someone who would just be stuck with them.

There may also be something you would want to leave to them in particular. Something that is special between the two of you, or even an heirloom that was given to you.

3. Leave Less Stress

A loved one experiencing a loss may not be able to think clearly enough to deal with all of your affairs. It is never easy to go through a loved one’s things. Others may not know your exact feelings on certain things or people and something important to you could be left out.

When someone passes without requests it is common for rifts to form within a family over what should be done. With your direction in hand, there is no argument to be had.

Creating a will in many ways transfers the responsibility to a legal entity. This can be helpful for the family member, as they will not be required to go over every detail of the same. You do not know what is going to happen the next moment. If you wish to more on summary probate, please click on the link.

4. People Receive Exactly What You Decided

There are certain things that some may argue over who they belong to, even those who take things because they are unrightfully in possession of them.

When writing a will, if the worst occurs, all of the important valuables in your life should go to a specific person. It has to be someone you absolutely trust because then that person can divide it among others.

Sentimental items can be of huge importance to some. So, it is vital to designate the right things to those you feel would honor them properly.

5. Digital Assets

Technology is an integral part of life, especially those of young adults. The option of having digital assets is less thought of when developing a will, but it is now becoming necessary,

This includes video games or online money wallets. Without your will these things can be lost forever, locked behind a password only you knew.

6. Separate Beliefs Than Parents

If you want a specific arrangement dealing with your funeral or burial, it can be vital to state it; otherwise, those responsible may not know.

For instance, if donating your body to science is what you prefer, it is not likely to happen unless you specifically state it. Religious beliefs can also come into play for certain burial procedures, such as cremation or donating organs.

7. Sentimental Value

Leaving possessions to the proper people can be helpful for sentimental belongings that would be monumental.

Sometimes a dear gift to a close friend can mean a lot and help them bear the situation as well.

Much of dealing with loss is carrying pieces of the person with you. This can actually be done. You would want sentimental items like photographs and such to be thrown away.

It may look like trash to whoever is cleaning the space, but it might be special to someone dealing with the loss of you.

8. Protect Inheritances

If you have been left an inheritance, even if you are as young as 18 if you unexpectedly perish there is no clear answer of who will receive the inheritance if you are unmarried. The same goes for deciding the beneficiary of life insurance. It may fall to someone who has never even been involved in their life like an absent father, or estranged family when it should go to a child or other significant person.

9. You Can Always Change Your Mind

Wills are official documents that can be altered at any point in a person’s life. With authorized assistance, you can always update it for others who may come into or leave your life.

Updating will be important when it comes to new assets as well. You can do it easily with professional assistance. Plus, company like Verhaeghe Law Office can provide all the elaborate explanations of a will and its uses.

10. Always Be Prepared

Long life is promised to no one. Writing a will can be challenging and bringing yourself to do it can be depressing.

However, preparing your estate is an important responsibility that can help those close to you through the mourning process.

Everyone Needs A Will

There are many methods of writing a will, and only knowing them will make you successfully convey your final wants.

You can include letters with important aspects of your will. This will explain what makes the inheritance and the person special to you.

Research examples of wills so you can find the correct format. It may also help you consider the exact types of possessions you need for the layout. Consider all these things and be satisfied knowing, no matter your age, that a will is necessary.

Read Also:

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

What Are the Costs of Our Aging Infrastructure?

After World War II, America became a global leader of commerce and saw an incredible boom in the prosperity of its citizens. This was fueled, in large part, by the building of infrastructure and the rise of the middle class in our country. Over a 50-year period, beginning in the 1950s, the United States invested billions of dollars into its infrastructure by building roads, airports and schools that were innovative and ambitious and that literally paved the way for one of the most impressive stretches of growth experienced by any nation in global history. This small bit of U.S. history is vital to understanding a major problem we currently face. The ambitious undertaking of building America’s infrastructure has slowly become a serious economic challenge. There is a seemingly endless stream of news reports and columns devoted to the daunting task of fixing all parts of our infrastructure, including our roads, bridges, airports, oil lines, water lines and waterways. But we don’t have to look to newspapers or scholarly essays about the challenges posed by our aging infrastructure. We experience it on a daily basis, from the potholes that cause tire blowouts to the corroded service lines that have unleashed dangerously high levels of lead and caused upheaval in a number of communities across our nation. There has been much effort devoted to examining the challenges, the costs and the need for fixing our infrastructure. Let’s break down just a few of the categories to get a better perspective on what we need and why we need it. Roads - Our roadway infrastructure, which includes highways, interstates and local roads, received a “D” grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers. Fixing our infrastructure will be costly, and the fact that federal funding accounts for only a small percentage of road funding is a reflection of the fact that our crumbling roads impact us at a very local and personal level. The costs come in the form of stretches of roads plagued with structural deficiencies that cause our vehicles to break down and roads whose initial design, while once adequate, now fails to keep pace with the traffic they currently need to accommodate. For example, think of the long list of cities that experience incredible congestion on a daily basis or the potholes which are left unattended on our neighborhood roads. Read also: Experts Recommend: Top Interior Design Trends for 2017 Bridges - The ASCE actually gives our bridges a “C+” grade, which - believe it or not - is one of the three highest grades given to 16 categories graded by the organization. Even though it is graded slightly higher than other sectors of our infrastructure, it is still in dire need of repair. The cost to drivers also comes in the form of breaks in surfaces and inability to accommodate traffic flow, but perhaps more alarming is the possibility of collapse. Another important statistic before we move on to the next category: One out of every 10 bridges in the United States is structurally deficient. Pipelines - While our roads and our bridges are often several decades old, many of the pipes used in the United States are even older. It is not uncommon for certain systems to have been built over a century ago, long before we knew just how dangerous the materials used would become for future generations. Two examples highlight our challenges in this particular area. First is the lead contamination of our drinking water that has caused lead poisoning of communities across the country. The ASCE’s latest report card gives our drinking water infrastructure a “D” grade. The costs, they say, could be up to $1 trillion over the coming decades. The second example is frequent gas line explosions, one of which occurs, on average, every other day in the United States, as reported by USA Today. Our energy infrastructure gets a “D+” grade from the ASCE. Airports - Just like many other structures in the country, our airports are struggling to meet the demands of more passengers and higher volumes of traffic. The average airport in the United States is around 40 years old, and our country is struggling to fund the maintenance of these facilities, even as other countries are making available significant investments to improve their airports. The ASCE gives our airports a “D” grade and points to the Federal Aviation Administration’s estimated cost of congestion and delays at roughly $22 billion. The investment needed to modernize and fix the infrastructure of our airports is even greater, over $75 billion, according to the Airports Council International-North America. Schools - One of our biggest challenges is fixing the infrastructure which accommodates our young people. The majority of our schools were built for the baby boomer generation, according to the ASCE, who gives our school infrastructure a “D” grade. It will cost around $270 billion to modernize and maintain these facilities. The aging school buildings present a number of threats for children and teachers alike. Old water lines carry contaminated water into several school systems across the United States, and structural deficiencies also make these buildings hazardous to students. Yet another danger is the presence of asbestos in school buildings. Any school building constructed prior to 1980 is likely to have asbestos. Once asbestos deteriorates or becomes airborne, it can cause serious complications to those who are exposed to it, including lung cancer or mesothelioma. Meeting Our Challenges The costs of fixing our infrastructure are great, but the costs currently being suffered by Americans are already taking a significant toll. We are paying for the challenges we face in ways that go way beyond tax dollars and construction projects. Unfortunately, we are paying the price through injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. The same country that built these incredible stretches of roads, bridges, and pipelines is also capable of repairing them, despite the large price tag that comes with such a task. When we consider what we need to do to move forward in this country, let’s not forget about the actual roads that lay in front of us. Ignoring this responsibility will not just place a burden on future generations -- it is a burden we are already carrying. The Law Offices of John R. Colvin focus primarily in the areas of Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Workers’ Compensation, and Social Security Disability. They represent clients in the Tennessee Valley region, including Tennessee and Alabama.

How To Settle Claims In Case Of A Personal Injury Incident?

In the last few years, cases of personal injury have shot up dramatically. This has coincided with incidents of growing traffic-related accidents the world over. In most instances, the victims of such incidents are average middle-class individuals who do not have enough savings to pay for their Insurances, Medical Bills and other expenditures. There have been many reported cases where the person who has been affected with the injury is the sole bread earner of the family. In such instances, the entire family ends up suffering for an act that they were not responsible for in any way. This is why more and more people are turning to Personal Injury Attorneys. In this article, we will look at why people should take help from a personal injury attorney. We will also look at what some of the cases where a personal injury attorney can help you get your rightful claim and due from the perpetrator. Personal Injury Attorney: Meaning and Definition A Personal Injury Attorney is a ‘civil litigator’ who presents settlement cases before a legal proceeding in front of a judge on behalf of an aggrieved party or individual. These attorneys specialize in what is known as ‘tort law’, which is a specialized law that deals with accidents or injuries arising out of negligence on the part of other individuals, companies, and corporations. The legal system is a complicated one. Big companies and corporations exploit poor people and families be manipulating them in legal loopholes. Often these people do not have anyone to represent him or her in an affordable fashion. This is where personal injury lawyers become a helpful service for people who are exploited and afflicted by the system. Other than private companies, Insurance Corporations also manipulate the claims of the affected in a major way. They confuse people with paperwork and several loopholes and aim to give them no insurance money, for which they have been paying premiums. A personal injury attorney also fights against the corrupt practices of these insurance and settlement companies. What are some cases where a Personal Injury Attorney can help? As we have already stated, a personal injury attorney can deal with a number of injuries and accident-related cases. These cases can emerge on account of the negligence of the factory owner, company owner, or the industry in which the individual is working. Their services can also be availed of when there is a car-related accident. We often think that personal injury is only physical in nature. However, in the last few years, mental and psychological related cases are being reported from different parts of the country. In addition, cases of sexual harassment are also very rampant. A personal injury lawyer can help in addressing such cases. Many times, people fail to think that sexual or emotional harassment can end up destroying the person from within. They become mentally depressed and this takes a toll on their professional productivity. Conclusion: It is important to select a personal injury lawyer, which is affordable, humane and sensitive to the needs of the aggrieved. While you are in the process of selecting one, please do your research accordingly. It is also important that you ask them for references of successful cases that they have practiced. Tampa Personal Injury Attorney can help you address many of the concerns arising out of physical injury, harassment, exploitation, and emotional turmoil. Read Also: Things About A Personal Injury Lawyer How To Choose A Personal Injury Lawyer Learn How Personal Injury Claims Are Resolved In 5 Steps 3 Reasons Why You Might Need A Family Lawyer How To Market Your Personal Injury Law Firm On Pinterest 7 Things You Should Know About DUI Charges: Can You Go To Prison As A Result?

What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in Arizona?

With the opioid epidemic at an all-time high, law enforcement agencies are cracking down on drug possession offenses all over the country. Arizona is no different. In Arizona, if you are caught with drugs on your person or in your car, you can expect to face some serious legal repercussions. This also applies to anyone caught with drug paraphernalia in their possession. Depending on the type and amount drug, you could be facing some serious fines and jail time. Arizona takes drug possession very seriously. The bottom line is if you are caught under the influence of drugs or with drugs in your possession, you will probably be charged with a felony. In order to be found guilty of drug possession in Arizona, the state must prove the following: You knowingly possess the drugs or paraphernalia- It's not enough that you are found in a house where drugs are found. There has to be some connection between you and the drugs in order for you to be found guilty. The substance was, in fact, an illegal or illicit drug – Just because you think something is a drug, doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted of the crime of possession. If you have a bag of oregano, you can’t get charged with possession of marijuana – even if you bought it thinking it was marijuana. Arizona also breaks drugs down into different categories. Drugs can be defined as any of the following: Marijuana – This category includes synthetic marijuana, edibles, or regular marijuana. Peyote Prescription drugs – This would include anti-anxiety drugs and other drugs that are legally prescribed. To be charged with drug possession, you would have to be found with drugs that you personally don’t have a prescription for. Dangerous drugs –this would include methamphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy, etc. Narcotics – Pain medication and other opiates. Vapors – This would include inhalants. What are the Different Penalties for Drug Possession? If you are busted with drugs in Arizona, you are going to face some serious consequences. The severity of the penalty will depend on how much of the drug you have in your possession. If you have just enough for personal use, it will more than likely qualify as simple possession. If, however, you have more than you could be expect to use yourself, you’ll be charged with possession and intent to distribute. In Arizona, you will not be sent to prison for your first or second offense of drug possession. You will be sent to mandatory treatment and will be handed some pretty stiff fines. Additionally, you may be given a suspended sentence or probation for your first or second offense. Arizona will not impose a prison sentence until your third offense. Defenses to Drug Possession: As with most crimes, there are defenses to drug possession in Arizona. Your criminal defense attorney will raise any and all of the applicable defenses in your trial. He will also use these defenses as a bargaining tool when he tries to negotiate a reduced charge or sentence with the prosecutor. The available defenses to drug possession in Arizona include: Lack of Knowledge – If you truly had no idea the drugs were in your possession, you may be found not guilty. Examples of this are when third parties placed drugs in your car or purse. It is very difficult to prove lack of knowledge. Illegal Search – If the police had no reasonable basis for conducting the search in the first place, the charges will have to be dismissed. Religious Use – This defense is rarely successful. In order to use this defense, you have to prove that you were using the drugs as part of a religious (not merely a cultural) ritual. Medical Marijuana Card – If you are caught with less than 2.5 ounces of marijuana and are a legitimate marijuana patient, you may raise this defense. You will still have to prove that the drugs came from a genuine and legal dispensary. Read Also: Is Outpatient Treatment For Drug And Alcohol Addiction Effective? Polydrug Use: What Happens When You Mix Cocaine With Heroin?

Top 10 Reasons Why Everybody Over 18 Should Have a Will