My brother just passed away last month without a will.  He didn't own anything and any survivor benefits will automatically go to our Mother.

However, it would have been nice to fully know what his wishes were.  He died prior to us having a discussion about organ donation, burial or cremation? Could his body be donated to science??  We were able to donate his corneas which eased my mind somewhat as he was such a voracious reader.

I have been flying by the seat of my pants these past few weeks but his ashes keep staring back at me as I've no clue what he'd have wanted me to do with them! 

I just donated all of his clothes to The Salvation Army. I'm trying to give his life some meaning after the fact. 

A will, if for no other reason, will take the guess work out of final decisions for your family.  If you want to be an organ donor, please tell your immediate next of kin because by the time a will is read, it will be too late!

Always good to have a will, Roger, even if it's a simple one-page will (like my mother's was naming me executor). Keeps the government out of your family affairs if you die intestate. You can even purchase a fill-in-the-blank type will package at a Staples and do it yourself.

You would be surprised what heirs will fight over

who gets the grain free pizza in the refrigerator?????? (raising my hand!!)

Who will get and take care of the cat?  

You need a simple will to avoid the creation of a burden for someone to handle your estate. 

Do not worry. I will use the insurance proceeds for a good cause.

I'll take the old lamp

Hi Roger,

Susan Emo responded with a voice of reason! Please tare her advice:).

Well, what to you want us to do with your body? Wait, never mind, don't answer that. Please.

Well that makes life a little less complicated, a good thing, right?

Roger, I can see your point.  If you have anyone who would take care of your remains or if you have any special wishes, then a will is important.

It helps the family in the grieving process by understanding the lost one's wishes.  It is like a last communication with them and helps avoid any internal conflict with remaining family members.  Emotions run high and everyone has a different opinion.  Saves conflict and enables family to mourn with some peace of mind in knowing they are honoring the lost one's wishes.  It also enables family to know if any financial arrangements may cover expense of burial, cremation, etc...and handle the process easier.

Roger,

I think that Susan Emo makes a lot of good points here.  Funny enough we were discussing that with someone over dinner on Tuesday night...A

Just do it, keep the courts out of your business.

If you have no heirs, and depending on the laws of your state, maybe you don't. In AZ, 'no one dies intestate'. It behooves us to have a will so the state can't put our heirs in a position of powerlessness.

To add insult to injury the correct phrase is that they're not worth diddly squat. Can I have your computer?

Never let the government make choices for you!

I think it is really for the people you leave behind. 

They do have online will kits that are very inexpensive. I think the biggest things are what you want your final wishes to be. Your final resting place or a living will in case you cant make decisions for yourself. 

Is this for Mickey? I didn't have much to do for my mother's "estate" when she died but it made it handy that someone was named executor so we could terminate the lease on her place, dispose of the furniture - probably no one would care that I did it - but I am an only child and you have siblings.  If this is about Mickey is it clear who will act for her? 

Bravo Susan Emo for saying this. The family will likely be distraught and under stress and knowing the wishes of the deceased is like leaving a gift to them. Now if one doesn't care or wants to create some havoc then not leaving a will is one way to do it.

There is something you have I could use Roger. Make a will and give it all to me.

A will can be done with info from the computer...let people know what you are thinking

Roger,  I could not say it any better than Susan Emo did.  You can hand-write your will ... it need not be created by an attorney.  That said, check the laws in your state. CA ... holographic or hand-written wills are honored by the courts. Also, in CA if assets are under a certain amount, probate is not required. An estate can be administered under the small estates act.  That is how I managed my mom's after she passed last year. The power of attorney I had expired when she did. 

You might be surprised what treasures you might own and it's good to be clear about who it is you want to have them.

Lots of DIY kind of things in wills...If you have a savings account...something speial you wanted to give a niee or nephew to rememebr uou by....always, always always in writing.

Who gets all your Treasures from A/R?

The law is quite clear Roger D. Mucci - to bequeath Dewars you must have a will!  And where there's a will there's a way!

If nothing else then to leave a "legacy" to family members or your friends. Even if it just a token, it shows that you cared about them and wanted them to have something to remember you by. You might be surprised how the simplest of things will have meaning for them.

Because whatever you DO have (furniture? clothing? leftover Dewars? car?) might go to the government if you have no family for it to go to. 

For an attorney to make a few bucks; but there might be some details that should be in one.

Great question for an attorney Roger D. Mucci 

you never know, you could win the lottery tomorrow

Roger, Susan does have some great points!   It does make things easier for the family.

Susan Emo has spoken as the voice of reason and (recent) experience.  My parents died without a will and it was not good.  All the decisions and us two munchkins fell to his brother.  I wish they would have left instructions on what their wishes were.   

Oh... and, Roger, would you donate your sense of humor to me.  I need a new angle.  

Because without a will even the pot can't be disposed of without court intervention!! Trust me on this one.

Good morning Roger. It matter to those that you leave behind.

Susan Emo said it well.  At least have something written for your family. All this material stuff?  I could care less, these kids are going to do whatever they want. What did her brother want?  

He died prior to us having a discussion about organ donation, burial or cremation?

This made me stop & think.. Peace of mind for myself and acknowledging my family knows what I wished.  At least to name 1 person in charge.  No, I don't have a will either..

Roger D. Mucci   I have to echo Susan Emo's response as I have had to deal with the aftermath of a loved one passing with no will.