August Is National Make-A-Will Month: Why It's a Crucial Step for Families in the Great Lakes Bay Region

 

At Garske, Hewitt & Rodenbo, we use National Make-A-Will Month as a time to highlight an important but often postponed responsibility: creating a will. Whether you live in Bay City, Midland, Saginaw, or nearby communities like Frankenmuth, Chesaning, or Birch Run, making a will is one of the most impactful ways you can protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored.

Contrary to popular belief, wills aren’t just for the elderly or wealthy they’re essential for anyone who wants to make thoughtful, legal decisions about their assets, health care, and dependents.

Direct What Happens to Your Assets No Matter the Size

Even if you don’t own a home or have a large estate, a will allows you to specify who should receive your belongings. From vehicles and bank accounts to digital assets and even pets, a will ensures these are passed on according to your wishes.

For example, residents in Saginaw with cherished photo collections on social media or a personal blog might want to designate who will manage or inherit these sentimental digital keepsakes. A will provides that clarity.

Name a Guardian for Your Children

If you’re a parent in Bay City or Midland, this might be the most important reason to have a will. It’s the legal way to name the guardian you trust to care for your children in the event something happens to you. Think of it as writing the next chapter in your child’s story one where you choose the author, not the court system.

Set Clear Medical and Legal Preferences

While a traditional will handles asset distribution, many people in the Great Lakes Bay Region also include a living will or advance healthcare directive. These documents clearly state your medical preferences if you become unable to speak for yourself.

Whether you're living in Frankenmuth or Chesaning, outlining these decisions in advance is like leaving a roadmap for your loved ones they’ll know exactly how to honor your wishes during a crisis.

 

Reduce Legal Stress for Your Family

Creating a will also eases the burden on those you leave behind. Without one, your family could face complex legal hurdles, delays in probate court, and added emotional stress. This can be especially difficult during a time of grief.

In places like Birch Run or Saginaw, where families value strong community ties, having a clear estate plan can spare your loved ones from unnecessary legal complications and financial hardship.

 

Make-A-Will Month: The Time to Act Is Now

At Garske, Hewitt & Rodenbo, we believe peace of mind shouldn't be postponed. National Make-A-Will Month is the perfect reminder to either draft your first will or update an existing one.

Our estate planning attorneys serve clients throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region, offering personalized guidance tailored to your family’s needs and values. Whether you're just getting started or need to update documents after a life change, we’re here to help ensure your legacy is protected.

Take this August as your cue —create a will and secure your family's future with confidence.