August is National Make-A-Will Month, which serves as a reminder of the importance of creating or updating your Will. Whether you’re starting from scratch or revisiting an existing estate plan, having a legally valid Will helps ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.
According to Trust & Will’s 2026 Estate Planning Report, 56% of U.S. adults have no estate planning documents, even though 73% say estate planning is personally important.
Failure to have a Will leaves millions of families vulnerable to unnecessary stress, delays, and uncertainty. National Make-A-Will Month is the perfect opportunity to take that important first step toward protecting yourself and the people you love.
Why Is a Will Important?
A Will is more than a document that distributes your assets; it helps protect your loved ones, preserve your legacy, and ensure your wishes are carried out.
With a properly drafted Will, you can:
- Name an executor to carry out your wishes
- Decide who will inherit your assets and in what proportion
- Appoint a guardian for any minor children
- Create a trust and name trustees for a loved one who is disabled, has creditors, or money management issues
- Help reduce confusion and disputes among family members
- Ensure your wishes guide the administration of your estate
Without a Will, New York State law determines who inherits your assets, regardless of what you may have wanted.
You Have More to Protect Than You May Realize
Many people believe estate planning is only for those with significant wealth, but that isn’t the case. Regardless of the size of your estate, a Will allows you to decide who receives your assets and how your affairs should be handled. Your estate may include your home, vehicles, financial accounts, family heirlooms, and other assets with both financial and sentimental value.
Rather than leaving these important decisions to New York law, you can provide your loved ones with clear guidance during an already difficult time.
When Should I Update My Will?
You should review your Will whenever you experience a major life event, including:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Death or incapacity of a beneficiary, executor, trustee, or guardian
- A significant change in finances
- Changes in family relationships
- Moving to another state
Even if nothing has outwardly changed, reviewing your estate plan every few years helps ensure your plan still reflects your wishes and complies with current laws.
Can I Create My Own Will?
Online templates and do-it-yourself forms may be convenient, but they often fail to meet New York’s legal requirements or address your unique circumstances. Errors in the manner the will is signed or witnessed, unclear language or a misunderstanding of tax law can result in costly probate proceedings, unnecessary tax payments, or even an invalid Will.
What appears to save money today can end up costing your loved ones far more in the future. Working with an experienced estate planning attorney helps ensure your Will is properly prepared, legally valid, and tailored to your specific goals.
National Make-A-Will Month Is the Perfect Time to Start
If you’ve been putting off creating or updating your Will, let National Make-A-Will Month be your reminder to take the first step. A carefully prepared Will provides peace of mind, knowing your wishes are documented and your loved ones will have a clearer path forward.
Whether you’re creating your first Will or updating an existing estate plan, the attorneys at Makofsky Valente Law Group, P.C. are here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward protecting your family, your future, and your legacy.
