Few documents are as powerful as a will when protecting your legacy and providing clear instructions for your loved ones. Yet despite its importance, many people either delay creating one or misunderstand its purpose. At Sequoia Financial Group, we know that your estate plan should reflect your life, your values, and, most importantly, your wishes. This is why we believe that every estate plan should include a will.
What Is a Will?
A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after your death. It can also name guardians for minor children, designate an executor to carry out your instructions, and provide direction for personal wishes, like who should care for a pet or receive a treasured family heirloom.
Why a Will Matters in Estate Planning
Your will is the foundation of your estate plan. Without it, your state’s intestacy laws determine who receives your property, leading to outcomes that may not align with your intentions. A clear, well-structured will help reduce confusion, potential disputes, and administrative delays. It’s a way to express your wishes with clarity and compassion, guiding your loved ones through a difficult time.
Common Misconceptions About Wills
Even though a will is critical, it’s often misunderstood. Here are a few common misconceptions:
- Wills are reserved for individuals with significant assets.
- A will is not just for the wealthy. It ensures that your estate is handled according to your preferences and that sentimental items are passed on to the right hands.
- Wills are reserved for people who have children.
- Even if you don’t have children, a will makes sure your wishes, not state law, determine what happens to your assets. Without one, the courts will distribute your property according to intestacy laws, which may pass everything to distant relatives or the state.
- Everything will automatically go to my spouse or kids.
- It’s not true that if you don’t have a will everything will automatically go to your spouse or kids. State laws may divide your assets in unexpected ways, especially in blended families or if beneficiaries precede you in death.
- I made a will years ago, so I never have to worry about it again.
- Life evolves and changes; marriages, births, divorces, adoptions, deaths, out-of-state moves, and other life events all impact your will. Regular reviews are essential to keep your will up to date.
How Sequoia Financial Group Can Help
At Sequoia Financial Group, we’re committed to offering a comprehensive wealth management experience, where all aspects of your financial plan are fully integrated and aligned with your financial goals. This includes ensuring your estate plan is well coordinated with your will and other essential documents, such as powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and trusts.
We leverage the legal and tax specialists on our team and collaborate with your existing partners to ensure your plan is thorough, current, and actionable. Whether you’re drafting your first will or revising a decades-old document, we’re here to guide the process with compassion, clarity, and knowledge.
Your Legacy Starts with a Plan
Your will is more than a legal form; it reflects your values, protects your loved ones, and articulates your intentions for the future. Don’t leave your wishes to chance. Let Sequoia Financial Group help you build a plan that honors your legacy and protects what matters most.
The tax and estate planning information offered by the advisor is general in nature. It is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Clients requesting tax return or estate preparation services are referred to a commonly-held affiliate, Sequoia Tax Services or a third party and not Sequoia Financial Group.
The views expressed represent the opinion of Sequoia Financial Group. The views are subject to change and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results. This material is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice and is not intended as an endorsement of any specific investment. Stated information is derived from proprietary and nonproprietary sources that have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness. While Sequoia believes the information to be accurate and reliable, we do not claim or have responsibility for its completeness, accuracy, or reliability. Statements of future expectations, estimates, projections, and other forward-looking statements are based on available information and Sequoia’s view as of the time of these statements. Accordingly, such statements are inherently speculative as they are based on assumptions that may involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Investing in equity securities involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. While equities may offer the potential for greater long-term growth than most debt securities, they generally have higher volatility. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Investment advisory services offered through Sequoia Financial Advisors, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Registration as an investment advisor does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
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