First steps lead to lasting impressions

Many people are intimidated by the prospect of creating a will. Yet preparing a will is as simple as writing a letter. A well-written will is nothing more and nothing less than a statement of what is important to you.

The most complicated part of preparing a will is simply taking the first step: deciding to do it.

The Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation has a free booklet, A Christian’s Guide to Planning Your Will or Trust, that can help you with the information needed for your will.

Whether you are creating a will for the first time or revising it for the fifth time, you should use an attorney. Most attorneys charge relatively little for this service. They are experienced in writing wills and can walk you through the process.

Certain states have very specific requirements regarding wills. Many require witnesses and other formalities to make sure your will is authentic and reflects your wishes. Miss one of these requirements and your will may be invalid. If you hire an attorney who regularly drafts wills, he or she can help you with all of these basic requirements—and suggest new ideas to make things even easier.

Take a moment today to consult your attorney. If you do not have an attorney, ask friends and neighbors who they used to write their wills. You probably will spend far less than you expected and receive far more peace of mind than you thought possible.

Once completed, your will can benefit your family, friends, church, and other charitable causes important to you.

Contact the Foundation at 800-259-6863 for your complimentary copy of A Christian’s Guide to Planning Your Will or Trust.