If I could choose for every single adult one New Year’s resolution, very high on my list would be getting your affairs in order.

“I will, I will – some day,” I hear you say.

“Some day” might be too late.

Having a Will gives you peace of mind in life, and your loved ones some comfort and less stress when you’re gone.

The DIY Will

Preparing your own Will is an option, but a small omission or procedural flaw can render a homemade document null and void. Unless you’re completely au fait with the formalities, consult your lawyer.

For those who haven’t made a Will and are muttering: “Well, everyone knows what I want to happen when I go,” – think again. Rather than your estate being tidied up quickly, it will take months, if not a year or more, for your affairs to be settled.

During that time, your worldly goods will be frozen; nobody can benefit from them. Your estate is also likely to be thousands of dollars poorer, too, as, without a Will, the whole process needs to go through the court system.

Unless your wishes are properly documented, you are leaving your loved ones a stressful legacy and, probably, significantly out of pocket. Also, the law, not you, will dictate what happens to any dependents and assets.

READ MORE: https://aspiringlaw.co.nz/articles/where-theres-will-theres-far-less-stressful-way