Make Your Free Simple Will with Us

This is a tough subject to talk about, but it's important. According to Consumer Reports, 66% of all Americans do not have a legally valid will. In partnership with the Greater Richmond Bar Foundation, we will be hosting a Wills Clinic. On May 2, registered CVA/UTurn nonprofit members can join us to create a simple will, power of attorney, and an advance medical directive at no cost! Read on for a brief explanation of all three documents.

WILL

Writing a will is one of the most important things that you can do to prevent family disputes and to control who will receive your property after you die. If you do not make a will, the state will make one for you. Your property will then be distributed to your legal heirs based on the state’s laws of descent and distribution. As a result, your intended beneficiaries may not get the property that you want them to receive. A will gives you a voice after death.

A will lets you name your beneficiaries. Married couples often leave their property to one another. However, you can designate as your beneficiaries your children, other family members, your partner, favorite charities or whomever. It is your call.

As part of the process, a will names an executor. This is a person who will shepherd your estate through the probate process, including paying your creditors and distributing your assets to your beneficiaries. Your executor is not personally responsible for your debts.

If you have minor children you can also nominate a person to be the guardian of the children and their property. Your will can also refer to a list gifting specific articles of personal property to named individuals.

POWER OF ATTORNEY

A power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes another person to act for you in business matters. The document will remain effective even if you become disabled or incompetent. If you do not have a power of attorney and you are unable to conduct your personal business, it may be necessary for a court to appoint a guardian to act for you. While you can revoke a power of attorney at any time, all powers of attorney end on death. You should name someone that you trust and who is able to handle your business affairs.

ADVANCE MEDICAL DIRECTIVE

An advance medical directive, sometimes called a “living will” or “medical power of attorney”, provides advice and direction to your physicians and family as to what your wishes are in the event that you are unable to give medical direction as to future medical care. The document designates an agent who can make those decisions for you in the event that you are incapable of making an informed decision. You are in charge of your medical decisions until you are unable to act. You should only name agents who are willing to carry out your wishes.

Don’t miss out on this great limited spaced opportunity. Please fill out the inquiry form to save your seat! We are also looking for volunteers to take photos, bear witness for notary purposes, and manage the sign-in process. Volunteers can use the same form to sign up. If you have any questions, please send us an email at membership@u-turn.org.

Disclaimer: Uturn is not a legal entity and cannot provide legal advice. For further explanation or understanding, please confirm the definition of the previously mentioned terms with a legal expert.