Busting the 10 biggest will-writing myths
It’s time to talk truths. Are you avoiding creating a Will? Or pretending you don’t need one?
If you’re over 18, a Will is vital. Yet if you’re like many of us, you’ll tell yourself elaborate stories around why you don’t need a Will. How writing one is ‘too hard’, ‘too expensive’, or simply ‘not right’ for you.
Here at Include a Charity, we’re unpacking these untruths. And disproving the damaging myths around creating a Will.
To ensure you’re leaving a lasting legacy – not a frustrating one.
I’m ‘too young’ to write a Will
A confronting opener perhaps, but here are two facts of life:
Life is finite. And we never know when it might be our time to go.
Typically, society prefers to ignore these truths – which creates a lot of challenges. Chief of which? That the concept of death makes a lot of people very uncomfortable; something not to be recognised and talked about, but evaded and ignored.
But let’s flip that script; rewrite the narrative. Because being aware of our mortality gives us so many reasons to be present and grateful.
So, why not reframe your story? Every time you have an important life experience – such as getting married, having children, travelling, or buying your first home – use it as a reminder to update the manuscript that is your life (your Will).
- I don’t own enough (or any) assets
There’s a common misconception that Wills are only necessary for the rich.
But Wills aren’t just created to divide your assets. They also authorise a trusted person – your close friend or family member, for instance – to act on your behalf.
After all, you wouldn’t want your grieving loved one being left to deal with your phone company or bank – who won’t stop charging fees or mortgage payments – simply because they’ll only speak to the owner of the account.
Plus, most of us own more than we realise.
Add up everything –your furniture, car, superannuation and other belongings – and you might be surprised at how much you’ve accumulated.
And it’s not just about assets with financial worth.
Think about the sentimental things: the heirlooms your loved ones will cherish for years to come.
Consider: What will your family reminder be?
- My family knows what I want (or they can work it out)
In your mind, your family members are well aware of your posthumous wishes.
But…are they?
Are your loved ones truly across every detail and intimate idiosyncrasy? Are you certain you’ve never told one family member one thing, then contradicted yourself to another?
Perhaps you’re considering leaving a small share of your estate to a cause you’re passionate about – after taking care of your loved ones first. Do they understand and respect your decision?
It’s true – our loved ones know us best. But that doesn’t mean they know it all.
And if you don’t leave a prescriptive document for them to follow, the chances of confusion, misinterpretation and arguments multiply.
Here at Include a Charity, we make it easy for you to consider your legacy. Head to our website to explore a range of amazing causes – and find one that resonates with you.
- Creating a Will is too expensive
If your concern for drawing up a Will is cost, fret not – there’s an option for every budget.
Many people choose to go to a solicitor, estate planner or the state trustee. But you can make a Will online for free – or for a small fee.
Then once you complete it, all you need to do is get it signed and witnessed by a notary public.
A small investment for solid peace of mind.
If you’re going down the DIY route and need some help choosing a trusted platform, Include a Charity can help. Check out some online Will platforms on the Include a Charity website.
Or if you’d prefer someone to guide you through it, explore our register of solicitors.
- Making a Will is too time-consuming
Procrastination is one of the main reasons people don’t create a Will. But why?
Are you really that busy – or is it because you think it’ll be tedious and boring?
Adulting isn’t always ‘fun’. But there’s a lot to be said for the feeling of accomplishment that comes from being in control of your life – and your legacy.
Plus, the process isn’t as laborious as you might think. Especially when we help get you started on the Will-writing process – simply.
Or you can start today by creating a basic list of your assets and keepsakes. You’ll soon find that, once you begin, you’ll quickly see the importance of what you’re leaving behind – and to who.
- I don’t have a partner or children
If a Will feels irrelevant to you because you’re not parenting or in a committed relationship – consider the ramifications for everyone in your world.
You don’t have to look far for some eye-opening examples.
Like popstar Prince, who died at the age of 57, in April 2016. And to everyone’s further shock, sans a Will.
Scores of claimants descended. And resolving the ensuing legal drama took six years – and multiple appeals. And at a great legal price tag
But ultimately, who knows what Prince really wanted? As someone who was extremely philanthropic in his lifetime, it’s reasonable to assume he would’ve had strong feelings about continuing to give back – even after death.
Yet without a Will, no one was able to determine this.
So, if there’s a cause you’re passionate about, be sure to make mention of it – legally and formally. Don’t assume others will do so in your absence!
At Include a Charity, we make it easy for you to consider your legacy. Head to our website to explore a range of amazing causes – and find one that resonates with you.
- I’m married – so everything goes to my spouse. Right?
Well, yes. But in some circumstances, the answer could also be no.
In today’s world, with blended families increasingly becoming the norm, there are new and ever-changing complexities to this previously straight-forward matter.
Separation, divorce, subsequent marriages, children from past relationships and stepchildren can all impact your Will’s validity.
Spousal laws do exist to ensure your partner is looked after upon your death. But these don’t consider your partner’s personal preferences.
For this reason, it’s important to discuss these scenarios with your spouse – sensitively, of course.
Ask them to make the big decisions now – not while they’re deep in their grief.
- I won’t be around, so it doesn’t matter
If you’re not concerned about the people you leave behind, and you’re happy for everything you own to go to the government, then sure – this is a helpful mindset.
But with it comes you abdicating all responsibility for your own life.
Your loved ones will already be dealing with pain and struggle. Don’t pile any more on.
- Creating a Will will hasten my death
Consciously, we know superstitions are irrational. Yet the fear of ‘jinxing’ ourselves – bringing about death in our attempt to try and manage it, somehow – is a very real one.
Yet it’s also false.
With the average person creating between two to four Wills in a lifetime, there’s clearly no correlation between drawing up your Will and the end of your time here on earth.
But if this is of genuine concern to you, please know you’re not alone. And talking it out with someone – such as a family member, close friend, or therapist – can help.
- Create your Will once and it’s done – forever
Creating a Will isn’t a ‘set and forget’ task.
And there are numerous life experiences and choices that can result in your Will requiring amendments.
These events include:
- Marriage
- Divorce and separation
- Health conditions
- Travelling
- Starting a family
- Loss of a beneficiary
- Asset acquisition, loss and sale
If you don’t want to make wholescale changes, there is the option to add in codicils – meaning adding supplemental information to the original document.
It’s important to note, best practice is to have any additions looked over by a legal professional.
If not done correctly, you may inadvertently contradict previous points and create confusion down the track. Or worse, leave the entire document open to contest.
Codicils are also known to be frequently questioned regarding coercion – especially if there are concerns around the departed’s soundness of mind.
So, if there are big life changes, your best course of action is not adaption, but a full re-write.
Because it’s your responsibility to make your legacy count – forever.
