If you have been reading this blog for any length of time, then you know that my dad died at a young age. I have some memories, but frankly I was 4 years old when he died so those memories are a bit fuzzy. Fortunately for me, we have some nice pictures and the like. One of my favorite thing of his is a set of old golf clubs from the 1970s.
I actually used his PW for a while, but I was afraid that I would break it so I stopped. Truth is, the first time I used it, I chipped one in, so I know that it carries with it something special. So for now, it sits in storage, but maybe some day it will be in a shadow box or something similar. These cool things from my past are ones that my mom gave me several years ago. I was lucky to have been given them, but he died in 1980 when things were a bit different than they are today.
Today, people find over the silliest of things, usually after someone has died and in an effort to “get what’s coming.” I think that is very sad. What’s more sad, though, is a lack of planning to minimize some of that fighting. Simple directions in a Last Will could create legal certainty as to the disposition of certain items, like golf clubs.
The most basic of directions could be a blanket statement that you wish for a person to receive your personal items. You can also add specific directions in a form that Florida calls a “Separate Writing.” These forms allow you to list in as much detail as you wish who gets each personal item that you own. All you need to do is sign and date this form so that it is legally binding on your family.
One more thing, your Will needs to authorize its use as well. This is a standard provision in a Will, but if you don’t have a Will, then I guess it is not standard to you. So, what’s the point? Get your Will done today, and starting working on your list of personal items. While you might not be able to eliminate the fighting after you are gone, you can, at least, give some good directions to your family. If common descency prevails, then your wishes can be honored.
Tags: Attorney, Clearwater, Estate Planning, Florida, Joshua T. Keleske, Last Will, Last Will & Testament, Lawyer, Saint Petersburg, Separate Writing, Tampa
