Bequests
(Getting Started on a Will)

"Ok, you've convinced me that I need a will! What do I do now?"

There are many important issues to consider when drafting your will, but you can get started right now by following a few simple steps:

1. Get organized. Write down a specific list of all of your property and how it is owned (bank savings/checking/CD’s/money market accounts, real estate, life insurance, marketable securities-not a part of a retirement plan, retirement/employee benefit plan assets, business interests, personal/miscellaneous property, etc.) Gather all of your important documents in one place.
2. Set your priorities. Make a list of all the people and charitable organizations that you want to remember. If you plan to make a charitable bequest, be sure to get the organization's legal name, current address, and whenever possible, its tax-exempt ID number.
3. Review your beneficiary designations. Review all your checking accounts, savings accounts, brokerage accounts, retirement plans, pension plans and any other assets for which you may have made a beneficiary designation, and make any necessary updates or changes to correspond with your distribution desires.
4. Think about guardians. If you have minor children or an older parent or other adult whom you care for, be sure to appoint a guardian for them in your will. Select those whose Christian lifestyle is compatible to yours.
5. Choose an executor. Select a person you trust, knows you, is available, willing and qualified. Remember to choose one or two alternates in case your first choice is unwilling or unable to serve.
6. Hire a competent attorney. Estate planning is not a 'do it yourself' project. Ask friends and colleagues for referrals, and choose someone with expertise in estate and tax planning. Then call for an initial consultation to find someone with whom you are comfortable. Ask about fees in advance and outline what you would like to accomplish.
7. Review and update your will on a regular basis. Our lives are constantly changing — your will or trust needs to be updated periodically to reflect such life changes as:
   1. The death of a beneficiary
   2. Marriage, divorce or remarriage
   3. The birth of a child or grandchild
   4. An inheritance
   5. The purchase of a new asset such as life insurance, a new home, etc.
   6. A bequest to an organization, like InTouch.

Our Estate Review and Design ministry is ideally suited for those who need to establish a will or trust, or review an existing one. If you are facing potential taxation issues, have young children or appreciating property to protect, own a business or just need someone to offer a professional ‘second opinion’ because of recent changes in the people representing your interests, property values or personal/charitable beneficiaries, we can help you!

Making a will doesn't have to be difficult, and having a properly drafted will provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones. To learn more about how a bequest can benefit In Touch, please call us at 800-967-2200, send an email message, or submit a personal illustration form.

In Touch Foundation
3836 DeKalb Technology Parkway
Atlanta,GA 30340
800-967-2200 | Fax: 770-936-6396
Foundation@InTouch.org

Planned Giving content ©2008 VirtualGiving | Disclaimer & Privacy Notice