re: My parents are in their late 70’s and refuse to create a will

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Instructions on not to necessitate.

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and completely necessary these days

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They probably have really written a will that disinherits you. But of course they won’t tell you about it.

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Been watching this rise over the past decade or so. Amazing what creeps crawl out of the wood work with old people with money. Kids don't find out till too late. Fortunately Da Ville is a small town, old man was getting hitched at the courthouse and a friend of a friend was there to call his kids and tell them. Not all are so lucky.

Kentucky is a very difficult state to break a legal document.

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Anyone else in this situation?

What did you do?

They don’t have loads of money or a bunch of assets, but there are several of us siblings who will be standing with our dicks in our hands if we don’t have something to go by.

TIA

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My wife and have a will...we are leaving our kids with all of our bills. We gave them the world and a chance to make it in it, what more could they want????

If nothing else they ought let someone know what to do when they die as far as arrangements are concerned. Funeral directors love a grieving family with no instructions on how to handle the body of a loved one. The more people involved the better. Funeral directors have a PhD in selling shite and make car dealers look like rank amateures.

Probate and the cost is going to be your biggest issue.

Figure it out.

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is that not normal?

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I would say kids should have a conversation with their parents about their estate plans. Even if it’s as simple as where the will is located/which attorney drafted it, and general burial/funeral instructions.

ChatGPT a will for them.

**LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT**

I, [Full Legal Name], residing at [Address], being of sound mind and legal age, declare this to be my Last Will and Testament, and I revoke all prior wills and codicils.

### 1. Family Information

I am [married/single/divorced]. My spouse’s name is [Name]. I have the following children: [Names].

### 2. Appointment of Executor

I appoint [Executor’s Full Name] as Executor of this Will. If they are unable or unwilling to serve, I appoint [Alternate Executor Name].

### 3. Guardianship (if applicable)

If I have minor children at the time of my death, I appoint [Guardian Name] as guardian of my minor children.

### 4. Payment of Debts and Expenses

I direct that all my just debts, funeral expenses, and expenses of last illness be paid as soon as practicable after my death.

### 5. Distribution of Specific Gifts

I leave the following specific gifts:

* To [Name]: [Description of asset]
* To [Name]: [Description of asset]

### 6. Residuary Estate

I give all the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate to [Name(s)], to be divided as follows: [percentages or instructions].

### 7. General Provisions

If any beneficiary predeceases me, their share shall [describe what happens—e.g., go to their children or be redistributed].

### 8. Signatures

Signed this ___ day of ________**, 20**.

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[Your Name]

### 9. Witnesses

We, the undersigned, declare that the Testator signed this Will in our presence, and we sign as witnesses in the presence of the Testator and each other.

Witness 1: _________________________
Name:
Address:

Witness 2: _________________________
Name:
Address:

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Maybe they want all of their children to fight viciously over the money and end up suing each other and never speaking to one another again for the remainder of their lives.

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What do people end up spending on lawyer fees in these situations?

Probably did.

In days past I witnessed a part of our family blow up ---- such an awful thing to experience --- must have made quite the impression

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Not having a will makes almost no difference, especially in Louisiana. Most wills just say something to the effect of, “I leave all that I die possessed to my spouse, and should my spouse predecease me, to my children in equal portions.” Intestate succession would do the exact same thing. Y’all will just have to work it out.

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This is the correct answer. I just signed my will yesterday and sat in on the interview with the attorney when my dad prepared his will last year. I was surprised at what doesn't go into the will. Essentially, the only thing in the will are bank accounts and transferable assets that have a title or bill of sale (real estate, vehicle, boats, etc) that don't have listed beneficiaries.

Retirement accounts, life insurance policies, etc. that have beneficiaries listed are not included in the will. Personal items are not included in the will.