{"id":901,"date":"2022-08-10T10:51:05","date_gmt":"2022-08-09T22:51:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ericjames.co.nz\/?p=901"},"modified":"2022-09-20T11:05:16","modified_gmt":"2022-09-19T23:05:16","slug":"where-theres-a-will-theres-a-way-are-they-ready-for-when-you-go","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ericjames.co.nz\/where-theres-a-will-theres-a-way-are-they-ready-for-when-you-go\/","title":{"rendered":"Where there\u2019s a will, there\u2019s a way.
Are they ready for when you go?"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/p>\n
Creating a will helps protect those you leave behind \u2013 both by simplifying the process of managing your estate and removing any doubt about your wishes and requests.<\/strong><\/p>\n What to include in your will<\/strong><\/p>\n The two most important aspects to a will are your named beneficiaries and your executor and trustee.<\/p>\n For most people, your beneficiaries will be your partner, or your children, or any other family members or friends. Some people will simply divide their estate between these people, while others might have treasured objects or assets they would like to gift to certain people, such as jewellery or heirlooms.<\/p>\n The amount left behind to your beneficiaries will be minus any debts or loans that need to be paid after you pass away. You\u2019ll need to consider this when deciding on the distribution of your estate, as some of these items or assets may be required to settle these debts. You will also need to name two back-ups for each beneficiary \u2013 just in case the original beneficiaries have since passed away.<\/p>\n Your executor and trustee is the person you would like to take the legal responsibility of settling your estate. This means they will be applying to the High Court for probate (a court order confirming the legality of the will), collecting your assets, paying your debts, carrying out the wishes stated in your will and dealing with disputes, if any arise.<\/p>\n Other than covering your wishes for your assets (and any potential care of children), your will is also a place to determine what you would like done with your body after your death. It will also include who you wish to act as your Power of Attorney (who is the person who you\u2019d like to speak for you if you are incapacitated by illness or injury).<\/p>\n