How many times in life have you tried to get in the last word, but couldn’t? It amazes me that the one chance we all have to get in the last word, we don’t.  How many times have you insisted on getting in the last word, but afterwards wished that you hadn’t? Well, in life, it’s just about guaranteed that we will all die, and the one chance we have to get in the last word and make a difference is by writing a Last Will and Testament. It’s truly the one time that we should insist on having the last word, and if we don’t, everyone will wish that we had. Most people that have asked me to help them with their estate-planning have not had a current legal will written. It is shocking to me that people can work their whole life to “take care of their families”, but in death lose so much and not take care of their families, just because they procrastinated or failed to write a legal last will and testament. DO YOU HAVE A CURRENT LEGAL WILL? If not, the results could be devastating for those you love. Please don’t put it off any longer. Get an attorney to help you this week, or get help from Legalzoom.com today! The two examples below show why it’s so important.

 “Leonard and his wife Lucille were joint owners of their home. So, Lucille became the sole owner after his death without any problem. But it was time to pay the taxes, the mortgage and other bills, too. Lucille needed money fast to keep going. Leonard had left some savings and investments, but Lucille couldn’t get the money right away. Why? Since there was no will, no one had the legal right to touch Leonard’s money. The government had to get involved, which caused a delay and extra costs. With her small amount of retirement savings, Lucille couldn’t afford to keep the house while Leonard’s estate was being settled. After six months, she had to sell her home and move in with her daughter. This was not at all what Leonard wanted to happen. He thought Lucille would be fine with the savings he had left for her. If he had taken the time to write a will, her future would have been a lot more secure.” (from getrichslowly.org)

“Heath Ledger’s will left nothing to his former girlfriend and their 2-year-old daughter because it was filed in Australia in 2003 and never updated after they became part of his life, The Associated Press reported. A copy of the will, filed in Manhattan Surrogate’s Court, shows that Mr. Ledger, a native of Australia, left everything to his parents and three sisters. Ledger’s family has indicated that they will make certain to provide for his former girlfriend, Michelle Williams, and their daughter, Matilda Rose. But it might not have ended like this. The Ledgers are under no legal obligation to do anything with the money other than keep it.” (from the NY Times 03/11/2008).