August brings fun summer activities like beach days, vacations and back-to-school shopping, but did you know that it’s also National Make-A-Will Month? Estate planning establishes your giving plan for family and friends, and can help CASA grow and advocate for youth in foster care for years to come.
At CASA OC, we believe in the power of connection. We know that caring, consistent relationships make a difference in the lives of abused, abandoned and neglected youth. Our deep bonds with volunteers, donors and community partners allow us to deliver our mission of supporting children and young adults in foster care during the most challenging periods of their adolescence.
As a nonprofit organization, we rely upon the generosity of our donors and community partners to support us, our volunteers and our CASA youth. Today, many of you help us achieve our mission through the gift of your time or treasure. Choosing to include CASA in your estate giving plan, continues that critical support into tomorrow.
**If you haven’t yet created a will, we encourage you to plan ahead for the relationships that are important to you. National Make-A-Will Month is the perfect time to make or update your will and take action for the people and organizations that are meaningful in your life.
Almost 70% of American adults do not have a legal will. No matter your stage of life or the size of your estate, having a legal up-to-date will in place is the best way to ensure your loved ones are protected, your asset-gifting and important decisions are made according to your wishes, and the causes you value continue to be supported.
Creating a will is easier than you think and affords you and your loved ones peace of mind as you consider the lasting impact your legacy could have. Here are 3 great reasons to get started:
Save time and money: A will is a powerful legal document comprised of your terms to distribute property. Without a will, in most states the probate court will use a predetermined formula to decide who gets what and how much they receive. This process is time consuming, costly and likely contentious for your loved ones. A will helps you reduce estate taxes, protect your beneficiaries and allows you to determine who receives your property, and who does not.
Create peace of mind for you and people you love: Drafting a will allows you to make intentional plans for those who are in your care, including naming a legal guardian for your minor children and determining who should care for your pets. A legal will also eliminates confusion, helps to reduce family conflict and allows you to allocate special gifts of monetary or sentimental value as you deem best. Equally important, it ensures your final wishes will be followed by removing ambiguity and giving loved ones the guidance and reassurance they need during a very difficult time.
Continue making a positive impact: If you wish to include a gift or donation to the charities you care about, you will need a will. Estate gifting is a great way to leave assets beyond what you can give today and opens the possibilities by giving cash, stock, real estate property and more. Writing a will lets you preserve your legacy by leaving a part of your estate to a charitable organization and make a lasting impact with the causes that matter to you for years to come.
You deserve the assurance that your wishes will be honored and that your compassion for the people and causes close to your heart continues well into the future. We invite you to take this month to start making your will, or revisit your plans, so your documents are up to date and reflect your intentions. While you’re reviewing your estate plans, we hope you’ll consider including CASA as part of your lasting legacy.
To learn more about creating your will and including CASA in your giving plans, please reach out to us at www.casaoclegacy.org
Sincerely,
Erika Pedersen
Chief Development Officer