Why to Make a Will

The new movie “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is the top grossing film in the country and has set a November box office record, despite the fact that Chadwick Boseman, star of the original “Black Panther” does not appear in the film. Boseman passed away in 2020 from colon cancer, and at the time of his death, he had no will.

Boseman’s wife, Taylor Simone Ledward, was appointed the executor of his estate. Earlier this year, she asked a California court to distribute his $2.3 million estate equally between her and Boseman’s parents. But is that what Boseman wanted?

In every state, the assets of an individual who dies without a will are distributed according to that state’s “intestacy” laws. In Ohio, for example, the surviving spouse would inherit everything. But in Arkansas, if the deceased has been married more than three years and have no children, the spouse inherits everything. But if she has been married less than three years – the spouse inherits only half, while her parents (or their descendants) inherit the remaining half.

Regardless of your age or state of life, it’s important to take the time to complete estate planning documents so your wishes can be carried out - and not left for a court to decide. Contact our office today to see how we can help with creating your will.