Approximately 55 percent of American adults do not have a will, leaving their families without the direction and support they need during a time of emotional distress. The Law Office of Corso & Rhude urges every adult to protect themselves by creating a will
Peoria, AZ, June 22, 2011 — When is the right time to make a will? According to the Law Office of Corso & Rhude the short answer is now.
Approximately 55 percent of American adults do not have a will, leaving their families without the direction and support they need during a time of emotional distress.
Why do so many people leave themselves unprotected? One reason is a natural desire to avoid the thought of one’s own demise, says John Rhude, of the Law Office of Corso & Rhude.
Another is the common misconception that wills are something only older people need to think about. In fact, creating a last will and testament is important to people of all ages, and is the easiest way to ensure that your wishes are met and loved ones are cared for.
“It’s difficult for anyone to think about the possibility of their own death,” Rhude said, “but making a will or having an experienced lawyer create a last will and testament for you is something we all should do to safeguard our families and assets.”
Rhude said a will is important because without one in place, the state process for asset division without a will take away control.
“Certainly, there’s a system in place to help families when there is no will, but that system doesn’t take into account what the family believes the deceased wanted done with his or her assets,” Rhude said.
So what happens to your assets if you die without a will? First, Rhude said your assets will be used to cover any outstanding debts you owe. Any assets left after your debt is reconciled are usually subject to the following distributions:
Single persons without children: Assets go to legal parents. If parents are deceased, assets go to siblings or next-of-kin.
Single persons with children: All assets go to your children; however, underage children pose special concerns. A guardian for your child will be chosen by the state. Your child will not automatically go to your parents or siblings without a will. Anyone can come forward as a potential guardian, and the judge will choose a guardian for your children. The appointed guardian usually has full access to your child’s assets.
Spouses without Children: Contrary to popular belief, your spouse does not always get the whole of your estate. Assets are usually divided between your spouse and your parents.
Spouses with Children: Surprisingly, your assets are not usually divided evenly among your spouse and your children. Instead, spouses typically get one-third and the rest is divided among your children. A portion may also go to your parents.
Domestic Partners: Depending on the state in which you live, a domestic partner may be treated as a spouse, or may be entitled to nothing at all. This includes the planning of your funeral and distribution of your personal possessions.
“People don’t realize how much is at stake when they don’t have a will,” said Christopher Corso, of the Law Office of Corso and Rhude. “When you know the facts, you realize, as a parent and loved one, you owe it to your family to have these plans in place.”
The Law Office of Corso & Rhude is well versed in both family law and criminal law. As former Maricopa County prosecutors, they have more than a decade’s worth of combined experience in the prosecutor’s office. The legal team believes that everyone has the right to experienced attorneys who will fight for their rights, helping to educate their clients in the hopes of lessening the occurrences in the future and including their families in all proceedings.
In addition to will creation, the Law Office of Corso & Rhude handles a myriad of criminal cases, including domestic violence defense, possession of drugs, felony drug charges, photo radar, criminal speeding, disorderly conduct and marijuana possession.
The experienced defense lawyers at Corso & Rhude serve clients throughout Arizona, including the cities of Ahwatukee, Avondale, Buckeye, Chandler, El Mirage, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sun City, Tempe, Tolleson and Youngtown.
The Law Office of Corso & Rhude, PLLC is located at 9210 W. Union Hills Drive, Suite 102, Peoria, Arizona, 85382. To schedule a free consultation, please visit www.corsorhude.com or call (602) 254-3188.
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Contact:
Al Stevens
Law Office of Corso & Rhude
9210 W. Union Hills Drive
Peoria, AZ 85382
480-235-1770
[email protected]
http://www.corsorhude.com
