Survey Finds Over Two-Thirds of Americans Lack a Will
As reported in the Lincoln Journal Star, a recent survey by the website LegalZoom found that over 70% of Americans do not have a last will and testament. Surprisingly, almost 75% of parents reported not having a will. Many put off making a will because they could not decide who would be guardians of their children should both parents die. That's consistent with what I see in my practice - many parents tell me they have never done a will because they don't know whom to name as guardian. Of course, by not doing anything, they are leaving it up to the state to decide.
One can purchase a Will and other estate planning documents on LegalZoom and many other websites. However, biased though I am, I do not recommend such do-it-yourself estate planning. Especially when it comes to ensuring the security of your children, it is worth paying a qualified professional to do the job right.
