"I don't have enough assets to worry about a will."
I've heard this many times from friends, family, and even some of my personal injury or business clients. There is a persistent belief that people with substantial assets are the only ones that get or at least need wills. That reasoning is currently on display, as the news broke today that the late Aretha Franklin died intestate (without a will). The immediate narrative in traditional and social media has been shock that a person with a sizable estate could die without leaving instructions as to how to handle her assets after her passing. Likewise, we saw a similar national reaction when it was discovered that Prince died intestate.
But the reality is that the size of the estate shouldn't be what drives the decision to consider putting together a will. A will allows the testator to help their descendants by streamlining certain elements of the succession proceedings, in addition to simplifying the distribution of property. Ultimately, the process of drafting a will is a conversation that helps the testator decide what she or he believes is the best way to maximize benefit and minimize conflict within their family after their passing.
That's something everyone should at least consider, regardless of their financial situation. If's something that you are considering, you can contact me at 504-298-8018 by email at chris@liuzzalaw.com to discuss your individual situation.