Is creating a will or updating a trust among your resolutions for 2025? Yet fear around these important legal documents can be paralyzing.
Here are 5 solutions to your fears around wills and trusts:
#1 Fear: How do I face “Not Being Here”?
It’s honestly pretty scary to think about not being around. Creating a will forces me to imagine what happens to everything and everyone I care about when I’m gone. I really don’t want to go there.
Solution
Remember, creating or updating my will or trust doesn’t mean I’ll be gone anytime soon. No one knows or can control that event. And no one takes over my property or accounts unless I give them the capability to do so. Instead, I can be at peace with the fact that I’ve done my part to take care of loved ones—even when I’m not here. And I’ve created a smooth path for them to follow.
#2 Fear: What if I don’t understand complicated legal stuff?
I’m overwhelmed by all the legal mumbo-jumbo involved in making a will. Plus, I have no idea if I need a trust. The fear of making a mistake or not fully understanding what’s going on makes me want to avoid it completely.
Solution
I don’t need to be an expert on everything. I go to the doctor when I’m sick. I go to a lawyer for legal help. They break it down for me and make sure everything is done the way I feel is best. If I don’t understand, I can ask questions. If I don’t like the answers, I can find a lawyer who takes the time to explain.
#3 Fear: What if creating a will sets off family fights?
The idea of my family arguing over who gets what after I’m gone is heart-wrenching. It’s even worse if arguments break out over my will or trust right away. I don’t want to deal with the stress.
Solution
I can have an open conversation with my family about why I made certain choices in my will or trust. I will be fair and consider the well-being of all. This way, I can likely prevent conflicts. If I do nothing about a will, there is a real possibility of expensive lawsuits and damaged family relationships. It is a loving and caring act to take steps now to provide for my family’s peaceful future.
#4 Fear: What happens if I change my mind later?
My life has changed over the past 5 years, 10 years, and more. What if I change my mind about the things in my will? What about marriage? Divorce? Children or their husbands and wives? Grandchildren? I need a nap just thinking about it.
Solution
I can regularly update my will or trust just like I get my eyes checked once a year or get a flu shot annually. This can become a responsible part of my life every January.
#5 Fear: What about the cost to create a will or trust?
The idea of spending a lot of money on a lawyer to help with my will or trust seems like a waste. I’d rather spend that money enjoying myself now and let them sort it out when I’m not around.
Solution
I can remind myself that I can ask an attorney to explain the cost up front for a will similar to my situation before I meet with him or her. If the firm won’t provide at least a price range, I can talk with another attorney.
Ready to get started on creating or updating your will or trust?
We’ll walk through these fears with you at Weaver Firm – Attorneys. First, we provide a price schedule for basic wills and trusts on our website at weaverlegal.net/price-info. Give us a call today at 817-638-2022 to schedule a lawyer consultation at our office at 2650 FM 407, Suite 245, in Bartonville Town Center in person, by phone, or on Zoom.