Where There's A Will...

Have you got a valid Will? If you’ve already made a Will, have you reviewed or updated it since there was a significant change in your life? You'll need to make changes to your Will to ensure that it still meets all of your goals. Below are some events that may prompt a need for review of your Will.

• Has there been a change in your marital status (many states have laws that revoke part or all of your Will if you marry or get divorced) or that of your children or grandchildren?
• Has there been an addition to your family through birth, adoption or marriage (stepchildren)?
• If your spouse or a family member has died, has become ill or is incapacitated.
• Have you acquired or disposed of a significant asset?
• If your spouse, your parents or other family member has become dependent on you.
• Has there been a substantial change in the value of your assets or in your plans for their use?
• If you were to receive a sizeable inheritance or gift
• Your income level or requirements have changed
• You are retiring
• You have made a change in your estate plan (e.g., you created a trust or executed a codicil to your will)
• If you are a business owner, have you planned for the future of your business after you die?
• If you’re a business owner, have you considered exit strategies from your business?
• Do you know how much money your family would need if you died, became seriously ill, or totally or permanently disabled today?
• Have you appointed someone to look after your affairs if you were to die or become incapacitated?
• Is your income protected and if so, are the protection measures sufficient for your family’s needs?