Safeguard Your Children’s Future: A Will Writing Checklist For Moms

As a mom, you’re constantly worrying about your kids’ well-being. But have you ever stopped to think about what would happen to them if something happened to you? It’s a heavy thought, but an important one. That’s where writing a will comes in. 

You might be thinking, ‘But I’m still young and healthy! I don’t need a will yet.’ Or maybe the idea of drafting a will seems morbid. But here’s the thing: a will isn’t just about distributing your assets after you’re gone. It’s about protecting your children’s future and ensuring they’re cared for by the people you want, in the way you want.  

So, don’t let the thought of drafting a will scare you because we’ve got you on this. Keep reading and check out this will writing checklist to guide you through the process. 

Gather Your Information 

Before you proceed into the actual writing the will, you’ll need to gather some essential details. Here’s what you’ll need: 

• List of beneficiaries: Of course, your kids will be on top, but don’t forget to consider anyone else you want to inherit your assets, like a spouse, partner, grandchildren, and other immediate family members. Think of this as another way to spread your love. 
• Inventory of assets: This is a comprehensive list of everything you own, including your house, car, bank accounts, financial assets, retirement accounts, business interests, other personal property, and even valuable possessions like jewelry or artwork hidden in your safe deposit. Don’t forget digital assets like social media accounts or cryptocurrency! 
• Debts and liabilities: This may not be the most fun part, but you’ll need to fess up to any outstanding debts, loans, mortgages, or credit cards balances. This way, there are no surprises down the road.  

Once you’ve gathered all these crucial details, you’ll be ready to proceed into the next will-writing process like a pro! 

Nominate a Guardian 

This is a big one. If something happens to you and your partner, who will raise your children, think about the people in your life you trust wholeheartedly to love and nurture your kids as their own. Maybe it’s a sibling, close friend, a family member, or other immediate relative. Whoever you choose for guardianship, make sure their lifestyle, values, and parenting philosophy align with how you want your children raised.  

Before making it official in your will, have an open and honest conversation with your potential guardian. Make sure they’re truly on board with the massive responsibility of raising your babies if you’re no longer able to. This dialogue might be difficult, but it’s a kindness to give them a heads up rather than potentially blindsiding them later. 

Appoint an Executor 

The executor will be in charge of the asset distribution and carrying out your will, so you need to choose wisely. Ideally, you’ll want to choose someone who is ultra-organized and detailed-oriented, but also a person you can implicitly trust. More importantly, this person needs to have a level head and the fortitude to make tough decisions if needed. 

So, who can be the ideal candidate? Perhaps a spouse or responsible adult child. If not, a close friend or financial advisor could fit the bill. Whoever you select, make sure to loop them in beforehand. Managing someone’s estate is a massive undertaking, so you’ll want their enthusiastic agreement.  

Consider a Trust 

A trust can be a valuable tool for protecting your children’s inheritance, especially if you still have minor children. It allows you to set specific conditions for how and when they receive their inheritance. This can be particularly helpful for ensuring they use the money responsibly or for managing assets in case of disability. 

Think Long-Term 

Your will shouldn’t be a static document stuck in time. Life keeps moving, and your will needs to keep up. Thus, review and update it every few years to account for any major life changes. Got married or divorced? Update that on the paper. Welcomed a new bundle of joy? Make sure they’re included.  

The reality is, as your circumstances evolve, so will your wishes for how you want things divided up. Don’t let your will become outdated and cause headaches down the road for your loved ones. Staying on top of it now with regular check-ins will make the whole process easier. 

Keep it Digital 

Luckily today, you can skip the old-school pen-and-paper route for writing your will. There are tons of online will services and digital platforms designed to make the process easier and more accessible.  

That said, don’t go thinking these digital solutions are a one-size-fits-all miracle cure. If you’ve got a more complicated situation with significant assets, blended families, or unique provisions, an online template probably won’t cut it. You’ll likely need to loop in a real-life attorney to ensure your will is comprehensive and bulletproof. But for straightforward basic wills? Those online tools can be a total lifesaver for busy moms.  

Seek Professional Guidance 

This checklist is a great starting point for tackling your will, but don’t go it totally alone. As tempting as it may be to DIY this whole thing, it’s a good idea to have an estate planning pro in your corner. An experienced estate planning attorney can provide legal advice, ensuring your will is ironclad and accounts for any unique situations in your family. They can guide you through the legalities, ensure your will is legally sound, and address any specific concerns and final wishes you might have. Yes, it’s an added expense, but one that pays dividends in priceless peace of mind. 

Conclusion 

Remember, mama, creating a will isn’t about dwelling on the negative. This legal document represents a powerful act of love and responsibility. It gives you peace of mind knowing your children’s future is secure and allows you to focus on cherishing every moment with your precious little ones. So, take note of these tips mama and get started!  

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