For some, the swirling cloud of questions surrounding the whole topic of writing one’s will can be so confusing that it paralyzes the individual into inaction.
Do I really need a will? How do I get started? What will it cost? Is there a way I can remember my favorite charities in my will? Can I make changes in my will without rewriting everything? These are a few of the typical questions people ask when they think of writing their wills.
Unfortunately, inaction in this important area of one’s life can lead to heartbreak and misunderstanding for one’s survivors. Inaction can also compromise assets for which one worked so hard during one’s lifetime. But, it need not be the case.
Perhaps the best first step one needs to take in the responsibility of writing a will is to find an attorney competent in this field. Friends, family members, one’s doctor, parish priest, coworkers or neighbors are all good sources for recommendations of competent attorneys.
A simple phone call initiates the process and the attorney will be able to answer your questions and guide you through the will writing process.
After remembering family members and special acquaintances, you may also wish to remember the Companions of St. Anthony in your will. By doing so, you will honor the memory of St. Anthony and further the important mission of his Franciscan brothers in today’s world.
There are several ways to make distributions to the Companions in your will. The following are some examples which you may wish to take to your attorney.
Percentage
“I give, devise, and bequeath to Companions of St. Anthony of 12290 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042, _______% of my estate for its corporate needs and purposes.”
Residue
(Whatever is left after other bequests have been granted.) “All the residue of my estate, including real and personal property, I give, devise, and bequeath to Companions of St. Anthony of 12290 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042 for its corporate needs and purposes.”
Specific Dollar Amount
“I give, devise, and bequeath to Companions of St. Anthony of 12290 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042, $___________ for its corporate needs and purposes.”
Specific Property
“I give, devise, and bequeath to Companions of St. Anthony of 12290 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042 (description of property) located at (Exact Location), for its corporate needs and purposes.”
A remembrance in your Will allows us to care for our ailing and senior friars, educate our youngest friars in their formation years, support our missionaries and their good works in some of the poorest parts of the world, and advance the Kingdom of God through our various Franciscan ministries.
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