Individuals can write their own wills, but those for more complex estates are best handled by an attorney or estate planner. The key is to always have a current will in place. Failing that, the state will determine the distribution of one's assets, which might not result in an estate being transferred to the intended beneficiaries.

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At the time of writing a will, there are other instruments that need to be considered to complete the estate planning process. This book serves as a guide to writing a will as well as completing some of those instruments. 

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Most of the topics covered in writing a will are universal, but different jurisdictions handle them differently. The book serves as a guide to writing a simple will or to getting prepared for a meeting with an attorney or estate planner for a more complex will. The samples used are representative of Florida, United States and Jamaica.

 

Today, even in such a volatile world, it is estimated that over 60% of Americans do not have a will or estate planning documents in place. In Jamaica the state manages over J$12 billion (approximately US$80 million) for estates that include minor children where breadwinners died without leaving a will.

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To emphasize some of the topics, samples and templates from Jamaica, West Indies and Florida, USA are used along with some shared experiences that have remained etched in her memory.

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Walk with Gloria through this guide and be encouraged to make your will, organize your estate and leave a legacy for your beneficiaries