GUEST COLUMN

Life involves significant milestones like buying a home, starting a family and planning for your children's education. Amid these, creating a will often is overlooked. Despite its somber nature, a will is crucial for ensuring your wishes are respected and your loved ones are supplied for after you are gone.

A will is a legal document detailing how you want your assets distributed posthumously, serving as a guide for your loved ones in managing your estate. It helps avoid the complications of intestacy laws, preventing a time-consuming and emotionally taxing legal process that might distribute assets against your wishes.

Additionally, a will is instrumental in appointing guardians for minor children, a decision that might otherwise fall to the court without aligning with your values. Choosing a guardian ensures your children are cared for by someone you trust.

Furthermore, a will empowers you to make charitable contributions or leave specific bequests, creating a legacy and supporting causes dear to you. Regularly updating your will is crucial as life evolves, with births, deaths, marriages and divorces influencing its relevance. This practice ensures your will accurately reflects your current wishes and estate composition. Having a will is a responsible and compassionate act, and supplies security and clarity during an emotionally challenging time for your loved ones. If making a will feels overwhelming, know that you do not have to do it alone. You can talk to me, your local estate planning lawyer, C.J. Singh. Our firm can give you the right advice, answer your questions and ensure your will follows the law. I can also help with more complicated things such as reducing taxes and setting up trusts. You can reach me at 360-870-7037 or stop by our office at 103 S. 4th St. No. 202, Shelton.

■ C.J. Singh is an attorney with Prime Legal in Shelton.