At VOYCE, we believe that taking control of your future starts with a conversation — and sometimes that conversation needs to be about getting a will. In a recent episode of We’re at the Age, Melody Fox and Marjorie Moore sat down with estate attorney and former VOYCE board member, Brian Quinn of Quinn Estate and Elder Law, to talk about one of the biggest questions we face: how to know it’s time for a will.
As Melody put it, “We’re at the age where getting around to making a will.” But when exactly is the right time to start? Is it when you buy your first house? Have a child? Retire? According to Brian, it’s much earlier than many people think.
“People should really start thinking about a will any time that they are over the age of 18 and maybe especially after they start into their first job accumulating some assets,” Brian said.
While life milestones like marriage, homeownership, or having children definitely make having a will even more important, the truth is that adults of any age should think about having a plan in place. Even if you’re unmarried, renting, and without children, you may still need a will to make sure your assets are handled the way you intend — and to spare your family from potential chaos later.
Why a Will Matters Sooner Than You Think
Many people mistakenly believe that wills are just for older adults or people with substantial wealth. But waiting can create real problems. Without a will, state laws determine how your assets are divided — and that can be complicated, expensive, and heartbreaking for your loved ones.
Brian shared a memorable story:
“I had a client who was unmarried, didn’t have any children, but had a job and a retirement account. When he passed away without a will, his divorced parents — who didn’t get along — had to work together to manage his estate, and it ended up being a huge mess.”
Having a will gives you the power to:
- Appoint who will manage your estate.
- Name who will receive your assets.
- Designate guardians for minor children.
- Minimize conflict among loved ones.
As Marjorie put it at the end of the episode, “I’m hoping my parents are listening so they can update their 30-year-old will.” Whether you’re just starting your career, raising a family, or approaching retirement, it’s never too early — or too late — to make sure your wishes are known.
FAQ: Estate Planning Basics with Brian Quinn
Q: How do I know when it’s the right time to create a will?
A: If you’re over 18, have a job, own property, or have children, it’s time. As Brian said, “Start thinking about a will when you start accumulating assets, but certainly by the time you’re having children.“
Q: Is a will enough to avoid probate?
A: No. As Brian explained, “A will doesn’t avoid probate, but it makes the process much easier and faster.” Other tools, such as trusts and beneficiary designations, can help avoid probate altogether.
Q: How often should I update my will?
A: Brian recommends reviewing your estate plan every three to five years, or whenever major life changes happen — like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a death in the family, or acquiring new assets.
Q: What’s the first step to getting a will?
A: Start by educating yourself, then meet with an estate planning attorney. “Once you’re armed with that education, you usually have a pretty good idea of what you need,” Brian said. He also encouraged choosing an attorney who specializes in estate planning or elder law.
Q: Is it expensive to make a will?
A: Costs vary, but Brian noted that a basic will can cost a few hundred dollars, while full estate planning with trusts may range into a few thousand. However, the cost of not planning is usually much higher, especially if your family has to deal with court costs and legal battles later.
Final Thought: It’s a Gift to Your Family
Creating a will isn’t just about your money — it’s about making things easier for the people you love. As Brian put it:
“You can’t undo your mistakes after you’ve passed away. Getting a will is a gift to yourself and your beneficiaries.”
VOYCE is here to support you at every stage of your journey. Whether you’re helping aging parents plan ahead or taking your own first steps into estate planning, the best time to start is now.
If you want to hear all of Brian’s advice on how to know it’s time for a will, check out Episode 4 of We’re at the Age.