Sadity Esq

Hey there, I get it—thinking about a will can feel like something you’ll deal with later. Maybe you’ve told yourself that you’ll take care of it when you’re older or when you’ve built up more assets. After all, why worry about a will now if you don’t own a ton of property or aren’t close to retirement, right?

But here’s the thing: if you have kids, a will is something you need right now—and not for the reasons you might think. It’s not just about divvying up money or property; it’s about making sure your kids are protected if something unexpected happens. Let’s break it down together.

Why Your Kids Need You to Have a Will

If you have children, the number one reason you need a will is to name a guardian. Life can throw some pretty crazy curveballs, and while none of us want to imagine the worst, it’s better to be prepared. Without a will, a court gets to decide who will raise your kids if you’re not around, and trust me, that can lead to some messy and stressful situations.

You don’t want a judge deciding who cares for your kids, do you? Of course not. By having a will, you get to choose the person you believe will love and raise your children in a way that aligns with your values and their needs. That decision shouldn’t be left up to someone who doesn’t know your family dynamics.

Imagine This: A Real-Life Scenario

Let’s imagine for a second: You and your spouse are in your 30s, you’ve got a couple of young kids, and like many busy parents, you’ve been meaning to get to that will “someday.” Then, out of nowhere, something tragic happens. Suddenly, both of you are gone, and there’s no plan in place for who will raise your children.

Your parents want to step in, but so does your sibling. Both love your kids and want the best for them. But without a will naming a guardian, the court has to get involved, and before you know it, family members might end up in a legal fight over who should be the one to raise them. No one wants this, but it happens more often than you think. And until that’s sorted out, your kids could even end up in temporary foster care.

Not exactly the outcome any parent wants, right?

A Will Isn’t Just for Your Assets, It’s for Your Kids

Sure, a will helps you figure out who gets your stuff when you’re gone, but when you’re a parent, the more important part is who gets your kids. Naming a guardian in your will makes sure that the person you choose is the one who steps in, and not just whoever the court thinks is “best.” This decision is about their future, their stability, and their emotional well-being. Honestly, it’s one of the most loving things you can do for them.

Think of it this way: a will is like an insurance policy for your family. You hope you never need it, but if you do, you’ll be so glad it’s there. And the peace of mind it gives you, knowing your kids will be cared for by the people you trust, is worth so much more than any asset you could leave behind.

“But I Don’t Have Enough Assets for a Will…”

I hear this all the time: “I don’t really own anything yet, so what’s the point of having a will?”

Here’s the deal—your will isn’t just about assets. Sure, it’ll handle your property and money (however much or little that may be), but even if you don’t have a lot right now, that’s not the main reason you need one. The main reason is your kids. If you have minor children, the most important thing your will does is name their guardian. That’s it. That’s the number one reason to get a will as soon as possible.

And hey, even if you don’t have much today, life changes. You might have more assets down the road—savings, life insurance, or property—and when that time comes, your will already has the framework in place to handle it.

So, What Happens if You Don’t Have a Will?

Without a will, everything—your kids, your assets, your wishes—ends up in the hands of the court. The court doesn’t know your family, your values, or what’s best for your kids the way you do. It has to follow the law, which doesn’t always line up with what you’d want for your children. So why leave such an important decision to strangers?

By having a will, you’re taking control. You’re deciding who will love and care for your children, who will manage whatever money or property you leave behind, and how your family’s future will look if you’re not there to guide it.

It’s About Peace of Mind, Not Assets

At the end of the day, a will isn’t just about wealth—it’s about peace of mind. It’s about making sure the people you love most are taken care of in the way that you choose. Don’t wait until you’re older or think you have “enough” to warrant a will. If you’re a parent, the time to do it is now.

There’s no better way to ensure your kids are raised by the people who understand them, love them, and will keep them safe. Your will is as much for them as it is for you.

So if you do nothing else today, make sure you at least start thinking about getting that will in place. For your kids’ sake. Trust me—you’ll sleep better knowing it’s done. Just kidding, if you’re a parent you don’t sleep anyway!