Plymouth Magazine-Spring26-DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 29
Plymouth Foundation: Six Powerful
Truths About Making a Will
By Ken Converse (he/him) and Viken Mikaelian
Creating a will isn’t just about money.
It’s about making your voice heard,
protecting your loved ones, and leaving
a legacy that reflects your values. Yet
too many people delay or avoid this
important step—often because of
misconceptions, fear, or the belief that
it’s only for the wealthy.
The truth is, everyone needs a will, no
matter the size of your estate or stage of
life. This article breaks down six essential
truths about will-making that every
donor should know—especially those
who care about family, community, and
the causes they love.
1. You don’t need to be wealthy to
need a will.
Even if your estate is modest, you likely
own things of emotional, personal,
or financial value—a car, family
heirlooms, savings, or sentimental
possessions. A will ensure that these
items are passed on to the people or
organizations that matter to you.
2. Your family can’t legally enforce
verbal wishes.
No matter how clearly you’ve
expressed your desires, verbal promises
carry no legal weight. Without a
properly executed will, your state’s
intestacy laws will decide how your
estate is distributed—often in ways
that don’t reflect your real intentions.
3. Guardianship of your children is
too important to leave to chance
If you have minor children, naming a
legal guardian in your will is one of the
most loving decisions you can make.
Without it, the court chooses who raises
your children, and that decision might
not reflect your values or relationships.
4. It’s a way to take care of your
loved ones.
Writing a will allows you to make
provisions to care for a loved one after
you’re gone. That can include support
for the special needs of children or
grandchildren.
5. You won’t lose power over your
own legacy.
If you die without a will, you’ll lose the
chance to invest in your own legacy by
designating a gift to support your favorite
causes. But if you create a will, you’ll have
the opportunity to have a big impact on
the future of your favorite charities (which
may include Plymouth Foundation), with
no impact on your day-to-day cash flow.
6. Your will should evolve with
throughout your life.
Conclusion
A will isn’t just a legal document. It’s a
final act of care, clarity, and purpose. It
brings peace of mind—not only to you,
but to the family and the causes you leave
behind. Don’t wait for the “right time.”
There’s no better time than now.
Disclaimer: This article provides general
information about will requirements in
the United States. Laws vary by state, so
consult your state’s specific requirements
or an attorney for guidance on your
situation. This article was originally
written by Viken Mikaelian, Founder of
PlannedGiving.com and Philanthropy.org.
Used with permission.
For sample language to
leave a legacy gift to the
Plymouth Foundation,
scan QR code or if you’re
reading digitally, click here.
For more information, please contact:
foundation@plymouthchurch.com.
A will isn’t one-and-done. Update after
major life events: marriage, children,
divorce, death, financial changes, or
relocation. Keeping it current ensures
your will stays aligned with your reality.
Plymouth Magazine 29
