Eight Things NOT To Put In Your Will

How to Properly Plan Your Estate: 8 Things NOT to Include in Your Will

1. Funeral Arrangements:

   • Avoid putting your funeral arrangements in your will as it may not be discovered until after the funeral has taken place.
   • Instead, consider creating a separate document outlining your funeral wishes and sharing it with your family members.

2. Organ Donation:

   • Do not include your desire to be an organ donor in your will.
   • Register as an organ donor through official channels or online platforms to ensure your wishes are fulfilled promptly.

3. Designating IRA Beneficiaries:

   • Ensure that the beneficiaries of your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) are designated correctly.
   • The beneficiary listed on your IRA account supersedes any instructions in your will, so review and update this information as needed.

4. Life Support Decisions:

   • Document your preferences regarding life support in a living will or declaration separate from your last will and testament.

5. Trust Assets:

   • If you have set up a trust or living trust, remember that the trust instrument determines the distribution of trust assets, not your will.
   • Assets held in a trust should be managed according to the terms outlined in the trust document.

6. Assets in an LLC:

   • If you own assets, such as rental properties, in a Limited Liability Company (LLC), be mindful that bequeathing specific properties in your will may not align with the structure of the LLC.
   • Consider transferring ownership of individual properties within the LLC to ensure accurate distribution according to your wishes.

7. Specific Bequests:

   • Avoid detailing personal reasons for leaving specific bequests in your will.
   • Instead, consider communicating these sentiments in a separate document to prevent potential conflicts or misunderstandings.

8. Life Insurance and Annuities:

   • Verify the designated beneficiaries on your life insurance policies and annuities.
   • Beneficiary designations on these financial instruments override instructions in your will, so ensure they are up to date to reflect your current wishes.

By following these guidelines and avoiding including certain items in your will, you can ensure that your estate planning accurately reflects your intentions and avoids potential complications for your loved ones.