In fact a will by itself is not enough. An entire estate plan must be completed to ensure all the money and effects go to the correct person, place or whatever.
By completing a will, there are serious holes in the final disposition of finances, personal goods and effects - why? - because the various government agencies and banks, lawyers and accountants get into the act - along with probate and so on.
Taxes, unpaid bills, mortgage calls, professional billing hours and so on. Plus the "hidden" stuff. It is amazing who and what comes out of the woodwork when the last person dies.
When a person states there is not enough here for an estate I tend to point out that a house, a few vehicles and some taxes will need to be taken care of before the money hits the street. It is usually not a small sum. Honoured son or daughter who is planning to take over the family farm may have to come up with some serious tax money before ownership is guaranteed.
Very often the "new" owner has to sell all or part of the estate due to monies required by some gov agency.
If you do not know someone who has experienced this difficulty, I will bet your neighbour does. More than one farm or ranch has departed from family hands due to poor planning by the once living owner.
So, when one speaks of a will, do NOT EVER think you have solved all of the potential problems - in fact you are ignoring some serious aspects that will / could have drastic consequences on your heirs.
To do the job properly one must visit an insurance agent, a lawyer and an accountant. Put it all together - because the puzzle is far more complex than just a will.
Do you TRULY know where your property and effects will go after death?
Does your lawyer know how to minimize your estate taxes? Did you ask?
Do you need to further examine this issue?
Can your lawyer guarantee your financials will be in order? Did you ask?
Does your life insurance cover estate costs? What about the "other bills?" Did you ask?
Does your accountant have estate planning credentials? Does your lawyer? Did you ask?
Can your accountant guarantee there will be funds available to cover estate costs? Did you ask?
Can your accountant guarantee your heirs will have enough money to pay final costs and still have enough money left over to keep the home place? Did you ask?
Have you enough insurance to cover costs without liquidating the estate? How do you know - did you ask an expert or your fishing buddy?
If your expert will give you a verbal answer but not give you the answer in writing, it is not - repeat - NOT a legal answer - it is simply opinion. Get it in writing or you may have nothing to stand on if it goes to court.
In other words one pro cannot do the job by him/herself. If they say they can you had better RUN from them - fast as possible.
Usually, lawyers do law, accountants do taxes, financial advisors put it all together using their estate planning experience.
Do your due diligence and do it soonest. Costs increase dramatically with increase in age.
Believe me it is not fun to learn this the hard way. I have this T-shirt - off my soap box.
Have a good one,
Bez!