Essential Guidance for National Make a Will Month
August is National Make a Will Month, making it the perfect time to focus on one of the most important foundations of any comprehensive estate plan. Creating or updating your will ensures your wishes are honored and your loved ones have clear direction when it matters most. At Evans Legacy Law Group LLC, our estate planning attorneys
guide families, professionals, and business owners throughout Illinois and Missouri in making confident, informed decisions.
A will plays a crucial role in protecting your voice, outlining your preferences, and reducing stress for the people you care about. Many clients who come to Evans Legacy Law Group
are unsure about what a will covers, how it fits alongside trusts, or when they should revisit their existing plan. National Make a Will Month is a meaningful reminder to take a closer look—especially if you have experienced recent life changes.
Why Having a Will Matters
A will is essentially a roadmap. It explains how you want certain assets handled, names the person who will manage your estate, and allows you to choose guardians for minor children. For blended families, unique financial goals, or specific legacy wishes, a will becomes even more essential. Our wills and trusts attorneys
help ensure your intentions are documented clearly and securely.
Without a will, state law takes over through intestate succession
rules in Illinois or Missouri. These laws may not reflect your family dynamics or long‑term goals. Working with an experienced estate planning lawyer, such as Shanise Evans
and the team at Evans Legacy Law Chicago
and Evans Legacy Law St. Louis, ensures your wishes—not the state’s defaults—guide your estate.
A well-crafted will also reduces confusion, minimizes family disagreements, and provides structure during an emotionally difficult time.
How a Will Fits Within a Larger Estate Plan
While a will is a cornerstone of most estate plans, it is only one piece of a comprehensive estate planning package. Many assets—such as retirement accounts, life insurance, and POD/TOD accounts—transfer outside your will through beneficiary designations. Your will does not override those instructions, which is why a beneficiary designation review
is essential.
Other critical documents protect you during your lifetime, including a financial power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, living will, and HIPAA authorizations. Our teams at Evans Legacy Law Lake County
and Evans Legacy Law Missouri
ensure these documents work together as a unified plan.
We also offer long-term support through our Client Care Program, estate plan maintenance program, and estate planning annual reviews.
What a Will Can Do
Your will provides legal instructions that take effect after your passing. Specifically, it allows you to:
- Specify asset distribution to family, friends, or charitable organizations
- Name guardians for minor children, including temporary or standby guardianship planning
- Appoint an executor and outline executor duties
This is especially important for blended families, second marriages, minor children, or beneficiaries with unique needs. For families with special needs, additional planning—such as establishing a special needs trust
—may be advisable. Our special needs trust attorneys
can help determine the right structure.
What a Will Does Not Do
Although powerful, a will cannot accomplish everything. It does not avoid probate. Instead, the probate process in Illinois
or probate process in Missouri
validates your will and oversees its administration.
A will also does not control assets that pass through beneficiary designations or joint ownership. Nor does it address situations where you are alive but unable to make decisions—those circumstances require powers of attorney and healthcare directives.
Probate can take several months or longer depending on complexity, and a will does not shorten that timeline or eliminate estate debts.
Common Questions About Wills
Do married couples need a will?
Yes. Spousal rights do not always reflect personal wishes, especially in blended families.
Do you need a will if you are not wealthy?
Absolutely. A will provides clarity, not just asset distribution.
Can a will override beneficiary designations?
No. Beneficiary designations take priority.
Is a will enough on its own?
Usually not. A complete plan includes powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and sometimes a trust—such as a revocable living trust
to help you avoid probate
and streamline administration.
When to Review or Update Your Will
Your will should evolve as your life evolves. We recommend an update after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, purchasing property, or significant financial changes. Even without major changes, periodic check-ins help ensure your plan reflects your current wishes.
Our estate planning subscription service
and flat fee estate planning options
make updates simple and accessible. Many clients rely on our Client Care Program
to keep their documents current.
Building a Plan That Works for You
A will is an essential part of life and legacy planning. It provides structure, ensures your intentions are honored, and supports your family during challenging times. But it is only one part of a broader estate strategy. Working with an experienced estate planning attorney near you, such as the team at Evans Legacy Law Group LLC, helps you build a customized, coordinated plan that grows and adapts with your needs.
If you have been wondering, “Do I need a will?” or “How do I update my will?”, National Make a Will Month is the perfect opportunity to take action. We offer a free estate planning consultation
and discovery call estate planning session
to help you explore your options and begin building a plan that truly protects your legacy.
To get started or schedule your consultation, contact Evans Legacy Law Group LLC today.
