Do Young People Need a Will?

By Cynthia Hsu, Esq. on October 21, 2011 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

When you have youth and health on your side, you tend to think that you're invincible. Unfortunately, none of us are. Which means in some cases, even young people need wills. Have you ever meditated on the question, "Do I need a will?"

Whether you have or not, you should probably get one.

If you die without a will, that means your estate will pass down through the laws of intestacy. These laws vary depending on what state you live in.

Intestacy laws aren't customized depending on the case. It's very much a "one size fit all" situation, so your assets may not be distributed in the way you'd want them to.

For young people with children, wills may be very important. You can use a will to designate who will be the legal guardian for your children if anything should happen to you and your spouse. In a will, you can also name a trustee who can manage your assets for your children until they become of age.

But even if you don't have any children it might be wise to draft up a will. You can use wills to set down your final wishes. You can donate to a beloved charity or cause. You can also set aside assets and belongings to close friends who would not otherwise be covered by intestacy laws.

And for social media addicts, you can even put your Facebook and Twitter password in your will. This way, your digital presence won't be spammed and clogged up by mourners posting on your Facebook wall after your passing.

Of course, the answer to the question "Do I need a will" is dependent on your preferences. In any event, having one can ensure your final wishes will be carried out.

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