Planning for the future is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your loved ones. Yet many put off creating a will because they believe the process is expensive, complicated, or time-consuming. Fortunately, tools like FreeWill make estate planning easier than ever by offering a free online platform that helps individuals create a legally valid will at no cost.
Even better, creating your will through FreeWill gives you an opportunity to leave a lasting impact by supporting organizations such as Lutheran Family Services through a charitable bequest.
Lutheran Family Services partners with Lutheran Giving to provide complimentary personalized estate planning resources for its supporters, and this now includes access to the FreeWill suite.
Sarah Callahan, Executive Director of Lutheran Giving, said, “Only 34% of Americans have a will or estate plan, with procrastination being the number one reason people say is preventing them from putting a will into place.”
Why Having a Will Matters
A will is more than a legal document. It is a way to:
• Ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
• Name guardians for minor children.
• Provide care instructions for pets.
• Support family members, friends, and causes you care about.
• Reduce uncertainty and stress for loved ones during a difficult time.
Without a will, important decisions about your estate may be made according to state laws rather than your personal preferences.
The Benefits of Using FreeWill
1. It’s Completely Free
One of the most attractive features of FreeWill is that its estate planning tools are available at no cost, with no credit card required. The platform is funded through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, making it possible for everyone to access essential estate planning resources.
2. Quick and Convenient
FreeWill takes users through a guided process that breaks down important decisions in a simple, easy-to-understand format. Callahan said, “FreeWill only takes 20 minutes and you can do it from the comfort of your home or office. Everyone has an estate no matter the size, and they all need a plan. FreeWill removes the cost barrier by being a completely free service.”
3. Legally Valid Documents
According to FreeWill, estate plans created through the platform are tailored to the user’s jurisdiction and designed to meet legal requirements. One thing to consider is that the documents will still need to be signed and notarized when complete for them to be legally binding.
4. More Than Just a Will
In addition to wills, FreeWill offers other estate planning tools, including:
• Advance healthcare directives (living wills)
• Financial powers of attorney
• Beneficiary designation guidance
• Revocable living trusts in select jurisdictions
This comprehensive approach helps families prepare for a variety of future needs. Callhan mentioned, “FreeWill states that 99% of estates can be handled through their tools. If you have complex needs or don’t feel comfortable using an online tool, I still encourage you to work with an estate attorney.”
Callahan explained that as you answer questions on FreeWill they point out when an attorney may be a better fit. “They also provide your responses in an easy-to-read summary, which you can print and bring to your attorney to save time (and possibly money),” she said.
5. Privacy and Transparency
FreeWill states that it does not sell users’ personal data and is committed to transparency regarding how information is used.
6. When is Good Time To Make a Will
Callahan said that the best time to make a will is: “Today! Unless you want the government to decide on how your estate is divided, you should have a plan in place today. It provides peace of mind and no one knows when their family will need it.”
There are instances where a will is especially important to have in place. “People with young children that need to establish guardianship for their children or someone who is about to undergo a surgery and may need to put a power of attorney for healthcare into place would also be good times,” Callahan said.
Extend Your Impact Through Lutheran Family Services
For many people, estate planning is about more than protecting loved ones. It is also an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the community.
When completing your will through FreeWill, you can choose to include a charitable gift to Lutheran Family Services. This type of planned gift, often called a charitable bequest, allows you to support the organization’s mission while maintaining full control of your assets during your lifetime.
A planned gift can help ensure that Lutheran Family Services continues to provide critical support and services to individuals, children, seniors, families, refugees, and others in need for generations to come.
A Legacy That Reflects Your Values
Many supporters discover that including a charitable organization in their estate plan is one of the easiest and most meaningful ways to create a lasting legacy. In fact, FreeWill notes that many users choose to leave gifts to causes they care about while completing their estate plans.
A bequest can be:
• A specific dollar amount
• A percentage of your estate
• A particular asset
• The remainder of your estate after other distributions are made
Even a modest gift can help strengthen vital programs and services for future generations.
Getting Started Today
Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and provide peace of mind. Using FreeWill, you can complete this important task quickly, easily, and at no cost. While planning for those you love, you also have the opportunity to make a meaningful charitable gift to Lutheran Family Services and leave a legacy of compassion, service, and hope.
Callahan mentioned, “If someone knows they want to leave a gift for charity, I would encourage them to meet with Lutheran Giving first to ensure their estate is structured as efficiently as possible, since some assets are better to give to charity versus loved ones. Working with Lutheran Giving is at no cost and we do not sell any products or services. We simply help people draft the most generous chapter of their life story.”
Start your estate planning journey today at FreeWill.com and consider how your legacy can continue making a difference through Lutheran Family Services, and your other favorite charitable organizations, for years to come.
For More Information Contact:
Sarah Callahan, Lutheran Giving
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (402) 342-5728
Or
Jens Acamo, Lutheran Family Services
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (402) 707-1469
Key Takeaways
1.Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are carried out.
2.FreeWill makes estate planning simple and accessible by providing a free, secure way to create a legally valid will online.
3.Including Lutheran Family Services in your estate plans creates a lasting legacy that helps provide hope, care, and support for future generations.
