How do I get started on my will?
By Cameron McElhany, Orchard Alliance Gift and Estate Design Consultant
If you don’t have a will, living trust, or other plan for your loved ones to follow at the end of your life you are in the majority—along with roughly 65% of all Americans. Yes, that means you are normal, but I encourage you to be abnormal in this case. Follow “the narrow road.” Take this act of stewardship seriously and get it done!
Every day I talk with people about their estate plans. I understand all the hang-ups that keep people like you from completing this important task. I have also experienced these issues personally. (Yes, there was a time when I did not have an estate plan. Even Orchard Alliance employees are not born with them.)
If you don’t know where to begin, these three steps can help you get started with creating your will.
Understand that creating a will is an act of stewardship. A will is your plan that describes how you will transfer stewardship of everything God has entrusted to you. God has a lot to say about inheritance. He cares about how you plan for your family. Consider these words:
“If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8 (NIV)
“…Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.” 2 Kings 20:1 (NIV)
“For we brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it.” 1 Timothy 6:7 (NIV)
Whether you have accumulated assets or have children, God has blessed you. Everything we enjoy in this life is a gift from Him. A will or revocable trust will ensure that you faithfully transfer those things to the next steward who will care for God’s children and/or His resources when you are gone.
Experience God’s will for your life. As you consider planning for your will or trust, bring these matters before Him in prayer. Ask God for his leading and wisdom. Seek His will for everything he has asked you to manage.
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13 (NIV)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5
Ask for help. Orchard Alliance is a ministry of the Alliance, for the Alliance. You don’t have to do this alone, and you shouldn’t. Our team of professionals will guide you through a process to have your estate plan created from a Biblical and prayerful perspective. We make it easy—and our services are free. In just a few short meetings, we will help you understand the process. Over a few weeks, you will be prepared to have an attorney, or a self-directed online platform draft your documents (if available in your state).
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22
You can get started today. The will planners at Orchard Alliance are ready to assist you on your journey.
