Do Newly Married Couples Need a Will?

May is one of the busiest wedding months of the year throughout the southern states, including Louisiana. As couples begin a new chapter in their lives, they often focus on planning the future by buying a home, growing their family, and building their life together. 

While many couples think about aspects of financial planning such as insurance or saving for a house, they rarely consider estate planning as a part of that process. Understandably, creating a will may not seem urgent to many young, healthy people, but it is nonetheless one of the most important steps that newly married couples can take to protect each other and their future. 

At Anderson Traylor Edwards, we help individuals and families throughout Hammond and the surrounding areas prepare wills and other critical documents so that their loved ones are protected if difficult and unexpected events arise. 

Why a Will Matters for Married Couples

A will ensures that your wishes are clearly outlined regarding your assets, property, and family matters. Without one, Louisiana law will determine how your estate is distributed according to predetermined criteria which cannot be altered and may not reflect your intentions. 

A will allows you to: 

• Determine how your property and assets will be distributed
• Name guardians for future children
• Protect your spouse’s financial security
• Reduce confusion or disputes among family members
• Help simplify the succession process

Even couples who do not yet have significant assets can benefit from having a clear estate plan in place.

‍Major Life Changes That Should Prompt a Will

Marriage is often just the beginning of several major life milestones that can affect your legal and financial planning.

Many couples experience significant changes in the early years of marriage, such as:

• Purchasing their first home
• Welcoming a new baby
• Starting a business
• Combining finances and investments
• Experiencing family changes such as divorce or remarriage

Each of these events can significantly impact your estate planning needs.

Planning for the Unexpected

No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, but preparing ahead of time can make a difficult situation much easier for your loved ones.

Without a will, your family may face a more complicated succession process under Louisiana law, at a time when they are already emotionally vulnerable and experiencing a tremendous amount of stress. Taking the time to create a clear estate plan can help ensure that your wishes are respected and your family is protected.

‍Schedule a Consultation with Anderson Traylor Edwards

Whether you are newly married, starting a family, or experiencing another major life change, the right legal guidance can make all the difference.

The attorneys at Anderson Traylor Edwards reliably and compassionately assist clients throughout Hammond and surrounding communities with wills, estate planning, and successions––no matter how simple or complex their needs may be.

To learn more about creating or updating a comprehensive estate plan tailored for your family, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.