August is National Make-a-Will Month. It’s a reminder to tend to an important task that many avoid or put off for various reasons. A 2025 survey by Caring found that more than half of US adults don’t have a will or estate planning documents in place.
Kelly Crites, a Grant County estate planning attorney, says there are a few common reasons people delay creating a will or estate plan.
“People tell me they haven’t made a will due to procrastination, feeling they don’t have enough assets or are too young to need one, or because of discomfort discussing finances and mortality,” says Crites. “Once a plan is in place, though, I hear how much easier it was than expected.”
The risks of not having a will are substantial for adults of all ages. When someone dies without a will in WV, their assets are distributed as designated by state law through the probate process. The legal process can be complicated, especially if there are disagreements among surviving family members.
Meanwhile, creating a will and/or estate plan provides multiple benefits:
- Avoiding or easing the probate process;
- Ensuring your assets are passed down according to your wishes;
- Providing for the care of any dependent children;
- Minimizing disputes, discomfort, and delays; and
- Gaining peace of mind that your assets and family are protected.
“I’ve found that the process of creating a will and estate plan can even leave clients feeling more connected to their loved ones,” says Crites. “Seeing the relief wash over clients’ faces when their plan is in order is one of my favorite parts of doing this work.”
For more information on creating a will, trust, or estate plan in WV, visit criteslegal.com or call (304) 257-9181.
About The Law Office of Kelly S. Crites, PLLC: The Law Office of Kelly S. Crites provides clients in the Eastern Panhandle and throughout WV with legal counsel and representation for estate planning and trusts, family law, and business and real estate matters.