United Way | Your Will: It’s More Than Legalese
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Your Will: It’s More Than Legalese

30 Apr Your Will: It’s More Than Legalese

Posted at 15:12h in Bequests by

It’s one of the most important legal documents you’ll ever create; a will dictates how you want your assets distributed after you’re gone. But beyond legalities, a will is a reflection of your life. It reveals who and what mattered most to you, and it’s the final gesture by which you’ll be remembered.

A well-planned will relieves family members from having to guess your final wishes during their time of grief, and it ensures they are taken care of in the manner you specify. When you provide for an organization such as Bergen County’s United Way in your will, you also extend your legacy of compassion and generosity.

A will has extraordinary potential. Consider what a will can do for you:

  • Name a guardian for minor children
  • Make financial arrangements for family members
  • Provide for a pet
  • Protect your business
  • Forgive a debt
  • Direct the division of your property (so the state does not)
  • Choose the executor for your estate
  • Reduce estate administration expenses
  • Provide for a charitable organization

Already Have a Will?

Make sure it’s up-to-date. Life changes such as the following should trigger a review of your will:

  • Birth
  • Death
  • Change in marital status
  • Increased/decreased estate value
  • Move to another state

Contact your estate planning attorney to make any changes.

 

Want to Add Us to Your Existing Will?
You don’t need to create a new will. Simply ask your attorney to prepare a codicil, a document that amends your original will. This is a common way to make minor changes.

 

Your Will Can Further Our Mission
To discuss how your future gift can make a meaningful difference, please contact:

Erica West
Director of Development
201-291-0368
ewest@bergenunitedway.org

 

The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes include federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results.