A Will is a legal document that outlines how your property and assets are distributed after death to protect your loved ones and yes, you need one.
By: Ananya Das
One thing many young people my age may not think about is the importance of wills and estates. In fact, I doubt that most know the intricate details and information that make up a Will. Many people, including myself, don’t think about estate planning and legal documents, especially as a university student. These are things and situations most hope to expect much later in life, but working with the Wills and Estates team at Boardwalk Law showed me just how important and universal these documents really are.
Being able to sit in on meetings with clients, as well as learning the details that go into the writing of a Will, helped me realize the importance of them. I found that a Will is not always for the person preparing it, but for their loved ones they leave behind. Wills can be a scary and unfortunate thought to have but having a process and legal documents in place to protect your loved ones is necessary. Planning for the future is essential to ensure your wishes are fulfilled. Wills and estates include documents that reflect relationships, finances, properties, and final wishes.
During my internship at Boardwalk Law, I also gained knowledge about the components of a well-written Will. By definition, a Will is a legal document that outlines how a person’s property and assets should be distributed after their death. A Will describes your estate, which comprises all of your possessions at the time of your passing, including any money, assets, real estate, personal property, business interests, and even debts. Then there is the selection of an Estate Trustee, also known as an executor, who will be in charge of carrying out your wishes, which is a crucial component of the Will. A Will also allows, for those it applies to, to designate guardians for any minor children you may have, as well as beneficiaries, the individuals or entities that will receive your assets upon your passing. The Will should address the residue of your estate: what remains after debts and taxes have been paid, and how it should be distributed. When taken into account collectively, these factors help you put your life in perspective and highlight the importance of preparing your loved ones to handle things when you are gone.
No matter what stage you are at in life or what situation you may be in, Wills are meant to protect you and take care of the people you love. Whether you are in your 30s building your life, your 50s starting to plan your retirement, or even just beginning to think about your future like me, it’s worth having these conversations and preparing properly. A Will is a long-lasting act of love and responsibility that ensures the protection of loved ones, regardless of age or stage, even when the individual cannot be present.
Please contact the team at Boardwalk Law for assistance with your estate planning.
Ananya Das interned during the 2025 summer with Boardwalk Law.
