This is one of the questions I get the most. I could write a book about why people in Louisiana need a Will. In fact - I did write a book about it!
But let's keep it simple. Here's 24 more popular reasons:
- You control where your hard-earned assets go when you die - don't let the State of Louisiana control that.
- Make things easier for your spouse. Without a Will, your spouse won't be able to sell the house without the proverbial Act of Congress.
- Name your executor or co-executors, and alternate executors.
- Prevent a judge from determining how your minor children's inheritance will be spent.
- Prevent your children from having their inheritance thrown in their lap on their 18th birthday.
- Protect your spouse from your children.
- Protect your assets from going to your ex-son-in-law or your ex-daughter-in-law (wouldn't that be nice!)
- Provide something for your grandchildren. Perhaps it can help them get a good education. In today's world, they'll need it.
- Protect your children from your spouse.
- Protect your children from their spouses and ex-spouses.
- Avoid estate tax.
- Protect your 401(k) and IRA.
- Protect your estate in case your spouse or child(ren) die before you.
- Enable your spouse to qualify for Medicaid if your spouse needs long term care. Otherwise, your spouse will spend $5,000 monthly depleting your assets.
- Name a guardian (in Louisiana called "tutor") who will raise your children if you die while your children are minors.
- Select a trustee to manage the inheritance for your heirs to protect them from their own ability (or lack thereof) to handle money wisely.
- To provide that if your child dies and hasn't spent all of the inheritance, whatever's left goes to your child's children (don't even think that this happens automatically).
- Make things easier in the event of a common disaster.
- Prevent your assets from going to the State of Louisiana (although they could use it!)
- Leave something to your favorite charity (there's a right and wrong way to do this).
- Avoid disputes about expensive family heirlooms - or even cheap heirlooms that have sentimental value.
- Inject a "No-Contest" clause so your heirs won't drain your estate for years in estate litigation.
- Authorize your executor to act under the MUCH SIMPLER independent administration procedures.
- Protect the family business.
Can you think of any more reasons why Louisiana residents need a Will?
Paul Rabalais


Oh yeah. One more reason for Louisiana residents to have a will: Protect your pets!
Posted by: Paul Rabalais | February 05, 2008 at 06:16 PM
Ces gars-là sont technologiquement désemparés. Chaque fois qu'ils vont là-bas ordinateurs tombent en panne, ils ne trouvent jamais rien, et que ces véhicules sont une plaisanterie. C'est une bonne chose qu'ils ont un bon graphiste pour la publicité que sinon personne ne pourrait jamais voir ce spectacle.
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