Stewardship Well Done Journey

Step 3 – Essential Documents

Roadblock #1 – What’s the big deal?

We are often asked, what happens if I don’t have a will or powers of attorney? Along with this question, we have heard many reasons people have chosen not to have these documents drafted … I’m too young, I’m too old, I don’t have much, I don’t have kids, I don’t want to face death, and is it really worth the time, effort, and cost?

From one perspective, the answer is quite simple. It can be summed up in two words … court involvement. Without these documents, you greatly increase the likelihood that the court will need to become involved in making decisions regarding your health, your finances, your kids, and the distribution of your estate. Each state has its own laws regarding how to handle these circumstances, which you may not agree with. Navigating the court system takes time, effort, and money. But having these essential documents in place allows you to express your wishes and name the people you want acting on your behalf.

From another perspective, the answer is quite complicated. Relationships can be messy and decisions are hard. But when you truly love someone … your spouse, your children, your church … you take care of them. You don’t send them into difficult situations unprepared. As unlikely as it may seem, having at least a will and powers of attorney for finances and health care in place is one of the best ways to say I LOVE YOU.