No Will = No Control

Why You Need a Will: Because You Want to Protect Your Loved Ones and Legacy

When someone passes away without a Will, it’s called dying intestate. That's a fancy way of saying that the state steps in to decide what happens next. Unfortunately, this often leads to unnecessary delays, extra expenses, and avoidable emotional strain for your family.

When there is no will:

⚖️ The Court Decides Who Gets What

Unfortunately, without a will, you don’t get to choose who inherits your assets. Instead, state laws determine who receives what. It also means that anyone can show up at the court demanding a share of your assets. As you can imagine, the outcome might not be what you would have wanted. Sadly, unmarried partners, stepchildren, or close friends may receive nothing at all.

⏳ Probate Can Drag On for Months (or Longer)

Probate is the legal process of settling an estate, and it tends to be much more complicated and time-consuming when there's no will. Your relatives will likely have to hire a lawyer, assessor, and will be left waiting for months — or even years — before assets are distributed.

💸 Legal Fees Eat Away at Your Estate

Without clear instructions, the probate process can become expensive. Attorney fees, court costs, and administrator expenses can quickly add up, reducing the value of the estate and leaving less for your loved ones.

💔 Family Disputes Can Get Messy — Fast

Even in the most loving families, uncertainty and grief can spark conflict. When there’s no will, disagreements over who should get what are far more common — and they can lead to costly legal battles and long-lasting rifts between family members.

✅ A Simple Will Helps Avoid All of This

Creating a will gives you control over your legacy. It ensures that your wishes are followed, your loved ones are protected, and your estate is handled efficiently. It’s not just a legal document — it’s a gift to those you care about most.

A Will Lets You:

• Choose who inherits your assets

• Name a guardian for your minor children

• Appoint a trusted person to manage your estate

• Minimize delays, fees, and stress for your family

Peace of Mind Starts with a Plan

Many people delay creating a will because they think it’s complicated, expensive, or something they can put off until later. But the truth is, life is unpredictable — and having a will in place is one of the most responsible and loving things you can do for the people who matter most.

At Affordable Estate Planning, we make the process simple, clear, and affordable. Whether you're just starting out, raising a family, or planning for retirement, we’re here to help you create a plan that brings peace of mind today — and security for tomorrow.

Need help creating a will?

Let’s talk. Schedule your free consultation with Affordable Estate Planning and take the first step toward protecting your legacy.

We are licensed to practice law in Oregon, California, Washington, Florida, Nevada, and Nebraska. We will meet on weekends, in the evenings, and virtually, so you don’t need to take off work or get a babysitter to get your estate in order. Www.AffordableEstatePNW.com, 503-908-5457, chad@AffordableEstatePNW.com