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Ty Smithdeal Diocesan Planned Giving Officer

I have a will. Two months ago I couldn't say that. It took the death of a close friend to wake me up. Now I'm wondering why I procrastinated so long. Let me tell you about my will.

My will reflects my wishes. Instead of the courts appointing an executor (personal representative), my son will handle this, and without bond. My will makes provision for family members in a way state statutes would not do. My will establishes a trust to benefit my spouse and reduce estate taxes. My will lets me disburse money to my children and grandchild in an orderly and prolonged manner. My will identifies several charities and my church to receive special bequests. In short, my will allocates my assets according to my desires.

My will is legally valid. I went to an attorney who specializes in estate planning. She knew the right questions to ask and the best way to accomplish my goals. I was tempted to take a short cut and use one of those will documents you can get at a stationery store. I even thought of just sitting down and writing out my will on a piece of paper, a sort of do-it-yourself project. I'm sure glad I didn't fall into that trap. After all, why do a will and then spend the rest of your life wondering whether it is truly valid?

My will is up-to-date. This is because I only recently created it and it reflects my current situation. But life never stays the same. Within a few years, new estate laws may arise. Family members may develop different needs. The composition of my estate may change. As my attorney says, "An out-of-date will could be as harmful as having no will at all."

My will can be amended. It is not set in concrete. I can change it easily, either by adding a codicil or by simply having it re-drafted. The important thing is that I have a workable will in place -- now.

My will is safely stored. I have a copy of my will in my files at home, but I keep the original in a bank safety deposit box. I don't want to lose this important document through fire or theft. I also made sure my personal representative knows how to find my will.

My will provides peace of mind. For years I lived with a nagging apprehension about what would happen if I died without a will. Those feelings are gone. I now have a sense of well-being about these matters, an inner calmness. It took a little time and effort and it cost a few dollars, but it was well worth it all.

If you do not have a current, valid will or comprehensive living trust, The Chapel of the Cross urges you to care for this very important matter. Not only will such planning benefit your loved ones, we believe you will want to remember The Chapel of the Cross as well.

Ty Smithdeal, Planned Giving Officer for the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, can assist you by providing information about wills and charitable bequests. If you like, he can also help you find a qualified attorney. Feel free to call him at 704-827-6656.

© 2001: Chapel of the Cross