Having A Will: Aretha Franklin Teaches The Living The Importance Of Making Sure You Do!

having a will - lessons from Aretha Franklin

Many people don’t think about having a will until late in life or sometimes… ever!

How often have you thought about having a will? Do you have one?

I never get tired of seeing examples that inspire the living to learn from the deceased. Unfortunately, this often arises when one hasn’t made a proper will or estate plan. Aretha Franklin is a prime example. The Queen of Soul has recently been making headlines again five years after her death from pancreatic cancer in 2018. The reason being, she didn’t have a proper will. Her four sons have been fighting over her estate since then. Finally, earlier this month, on July 10th, a jury (yes, the fight ended up in court in front of a jury) put an end to the bickering. Now her heirs may get whatever is left of the iconic singer’s estate.

Holographic Or Handwritten Wills Not Valid In All States

What Franklin left behind were two handwritten wills, one dated in 2010 and another in 2014. The 2014 will was found in a notebook under a couch cushion! You can’t make this stuff up! As has been widely reported, the jury found the 2014 will to be valid. https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/11/aretha-franklins-ongoing-estate-battle-shows-importance-of-having-a-proper-will.html

Certain states such as Michigan, recognize handwritten wills which are also referred to as holographic wills as valid if they meet specific criteria. This turns out to be fortunate for Franklin’s heirs since that’s where they and Ms. Franklin lived. However not all states will consider handwritten wills

Everyone Age 18 And Over Needs Have A Will

What’s important to learn is that making a formal will or estate plan is important for everyone 18 years of age and above. Even though in the distant past, estate plans used to be considered tools used by the wealthy only, that is no longer the case. We can learn from the many examples of celebrities over the years who did not have wills, including Howard Hughes, Pablo Picasso, Bob Marley, Prince, and apparently even Abraham Lincoln. I hope these examples do inspire you to take the time to schedule an appointment with an experienced estate planning attorney and avoid leaving your heirs to fight over whatever you leave behind.

If You Don’t Have A Will

When someone dies without a legal will it means they die “intestate.” In those circumstances, each state has laws that determine how an estate’s property is divided. Creating a legal will or estate plan is not difficult or complicated for most people. It simply requires allocating time to meet with an attorney and putting your wishes in writing for the distribution of your financial and real property.

Show Your Loved Ones How Much You Love Them

Today what is considered property includes digital assets, biomaterials, crypto currency in addition to the usual real property such as homes, cars, boats, etc. Living a good life includes having your affairs in order upon your death. You want your loved ones to feel loved and respected. If you have been putting off creating an estate plan, take a cue from Aretha Franklin and give my office a call at 404-370-0696. Having a well thought out will/estate plan is a show of R.E.S.P.E.C.T. and a gift of love.

Looking to find an experienced estate lawyer in the Georgia area who is skilled in asset protection and estate plan preparation? Shannon Pawley is an attorney in Georgia with expertise in estate planning and asset protection. Shannon can provide assistance with creating an estate plan to include making a will and how to establish a trust properly. If you have questions about asset protection or questions about making an estate plan, reach out to Shannon and she will be glad to help answer all the estate planning questions you might have!

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