Categories: Bequests

Don’t Write Your Will

The Government Will Take Care of it For You

Did you know there’s a simple way that you can make the government your very best friend? It’s so easy, you won’t even have to lift a finger!

Here’s how: Simply skip making an estate plan or writing a will.

That’s right. Don’t write your will. Then, when you die, you’ll be declared “intestate.” “Intestate” is a fancy word that essentially means, “they didn’t think a will was important, so now the government gets to decide what to do with all their stuff.”

Of course, the government will ensure your great Uncle Sam and your favorite nephew, Mr. IRS, are well taken care of, but your favorite charity—the one that you’ve always supported faithfully—won’t see a dime. And friends or loved ones whom you wanted to remember with a particular gift or protect with a trust won’t get a thing.

That’s because, when you don’t write a will, the court won’t know (or care) about the causes close to your heart; the people you wanted to help; or the legacy you wanted to leave behind.

Are you ready to make the government your very best friend? Then just do nothing—they’ll be happy to take care of your hard-earned assets for you.

Or you can use the LegacyPlanner™ to write a legal will, for free, that protects your family and loved ones, distributes your assets fairly, and ensures you don’t burden heirs with an excessive tax bill or an expensive legal (and emotional) mess.

Tell the government “Hands off!” and decide your own legacy instead.

Did you know over 68 percent of Americans don’t have a will? Take the opportunity to educate your friends about the importance of creating an estate plan that will protect their families and secure their own legacy. If you’re a nonprofit, you’ll create a larger impact by subscribing to LegacyPlanner™, our online will planning service that makes it easy for your supporters to plan their will for free and to remember you with a bequest. [If it is not in your budget, get the free version here.] This will further open up conversations on the importance of planned giving.

Patrick O'Donnell

Patrick is a seasoned writer, editor, author and marketing communications professional with a solid background in journalism. He works with nonprofit organizations to develop SEO-rich articles and content to convert prospects into donors. His specialties include ghostwriting, proofreading, scriptwriting, brevity, naps, and humor.

Viken Mikaelian

Viken is the CEO and founder of PlannedGiving.com and MajorGifts.com. He is also publisher of Major Gifts Today and Giving Tomorrow. Viken is available for speaking engagements on planned giving marketing, personal development and time management at viken.net. Learn how Viken got into planned giving. Connect with Viken on LinkedIn.