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10 Things You Might Forget To Include In Your Will—But You Shouldn’t

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When it comes to planning your estate, most people assume a will covers all the bases. However, the truth is that even carefully crafted wills often leave out key elements that can cause headaches further down the road. By understanding these 10 commonly missed items, anyone can better prepare their estate plan and ensure their wishes are truly honored.

Family Heirlooms

Family Heirlooms
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It’s not always the big-ticket items that cause drama after someone passes. Sometimes it’s Grandma’s silver ring or that photo album from the ‘80s that sparks the biggest arguments. And here’s the thing: courts don’t deal in sentiment, so unless someone leaves clear instructions, the tensions will only get worse.

Guardianship For Dependents

Guardianship For Dependents
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When a guardian isn’t named, the court steps in and decides who will care for minors or dependent adults, which may go against the family’s values. However, including a named guardian in the will provides stability and keeps this important choice within the family’s control.

Backup Beneficiaries

Backup Beneficiaries
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If a beneficiary dies first or says no to the inheritance, the court has to figure out who gets it next, which can slow things down and cause confusion. That’s why naming backup beneficiaries early on helps avoid these headaches while preserving family oversight.

Pet Care Plans

Pet Care Plans
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What many don’t realize is that pets aren’t legally considered dependents. If a will skips over them, there’s no guarantee they’ll land somewhere safe. The easy workaround? Appoint a trusted caregiver or set up a pet trust to cover their future needs.

Funeral And Burial Preferences

Funeral And Burial Preferences
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Given that burial or cremation decisions aren’t legally binding unless spelled out separately, families often find themselves making these tough calls before the will even comes into play. Naturally, this leads to stress and confusion. This is where adding a clear letter of wishes can help ensure your preferences are honored.

Small Business Succession

Small Business Succession
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When the owner’s gone, heirs don’t automatically gain control, and suddenly the company’s stuck in limbo. That is why a will should clearly state whether the business will continue to operate after the owner’s death. Moreover, it must also outline a sale or closure to reduce confusion and future disputes.

Personal Loans Owed To You

Personal Loans Owed To You
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Many people assume informal loans to family or friends will be repaid, but these get overlooked during probate. Since courts require clear documentation to enforce debt collection, any loan not recorded in the will is usually lost. As a result, the estate ends up covering what might have been repaid if properly documented.

Stored Assets In Safe Deposit Boxes

Stored Assets In Safe Deposit Boxes
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Before entry into a safe deposit box is allowed, banks require proper paperwork and keyholder information, and courts don’t override this requirement. If the will omits these details, access can be challenging. That’s all the more reason to take a little time to share this info upfront to keep things hassle-free.

Vacation Property Or Timeshares

Vacation Property Or Timeshares
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Without a will spelling out who gets what, whether it’s selling the place or sharing it, confusion takes over. The added twist of fees and shared ownership means the stakes are higher. In these cases, unclear directions lead multiple heirs to clash, turning what could be a smooth transition into a drawn-out legal mess.

Charitable Gifts

Charitable Gifts
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Many people plan to leave something to charity; however, verbal promises often don’t hold up in court. If the organization and amount are not named in the will, the gift is simply omitted. Therefore, even modest donations require formal wording to ensure that the intended cause receives the support.

Written by Castillo Rancon

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