Why You Should Print Your Will on Waterproof Paper
No one really enjoys thinking about death. It’s a tough subject, but an important one to consider — especially when you have kids, or a loved one who needs extra care. That’s where a will comes into play. A Last Will and Testament, typically just called a “will,” is a legal document that denotes what should be done with all of your assets after you pass on. Here’s why it’s important and what you should know about preparing yours:
Why It Matters
The lack of a will has been the starting point for the plot of several movies; while the hijinks might feel overblown, they aren’t as far-fetched as you might think! The reason a will is so important is because of what happens without one. Without this legal document in place, when a person passes away, they are considered to have died “intestate” and it’s up to the state legal system to decide what happens to all of their assets. This may mean months or years that the person’s bank accounts, home ownership, and everything else will be stuck in limbo — yes, even if they are survived by a spouse and/or kids. Even with a spouse or children, the state will decide how everything is split up, and that’s after any legal fees and taxes are paid.
Having a will in place matters for more than keeping the legal succession process smooth. It’s particularly important for anyone who has dependent children or a loved one who relies on them for care. In these instances, a will can specify certain provisions to make sure there are financial resources to provide for medical bills, a senior living center or hospice care, and even who will get custody of under-age children. A will helps ensure there aren’t gaps in care, and/or that kids go to the right guardian.
Setting Up a Will
In order for your will to be recognized as a legal document, you can’t just scribble something out on a napkin and sign it. You’ll need to check the requirements in your state, but most often this document needs to be prepared by a lawyer. If not, you will need to at least have it notarized when you sign it. Working with a lawyer to prepare your will is a good idea even if it isn’t required, since they will know the questions to ask so all of your estate is accounted for.
You’ll also need to ensure that the physical document will be protected. In many cases, your lawyer will retain a digital copy, but having a physical version will make it easier for the executor (the person who manages the will after your passing) to carry out your wishes legally. This is why so many individuals will keep a fire-proof box or a safe in order to store their important documents.
Print It on Waterproof Paper
The alternative, and a great way to ensure your will is going to last, is to print and sign your will on waterproof paper. TerraSlate waterproof paper works with a standard laser printer or copy machine, so you can easily print amended copies of your will. On top of the waterproof qualities, it’s also grease, solvent, and chemical repellent so you don’t have to worry about an untimely spill wrecking your will. And, since TerraSlate waterproof paper is heat-resistant up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you can trust that your will can survive a lot.
Explore all of the benefits of our waterproof paper online, and then order yours so you can have your will printed and notarized on paper you can trust to last. Shop online today to find waterproof printer paper in a range of weights and sizes!