Comprehensive Guide to Wills and Testament Planning in Powells Crossroads
Planning a will is a practical step for residents of Powells Crossroads who want to ensure their wishes are honored and their loved ones are protected. A will sets out how property, personal belongings, and financial accounts should be handled after someone passes away, and it can also name guardians for minor children. For many families in Marion County, preparing a clear, legally sound will reduces uncertainty and helps avoid disputes. This introduction explains what a will does, who should consider one, and how a tailored plan can reflect personal values while meeting Tennessee legal requirements for wills and testamentary dispositions.
This page outlines core information about wills in Tennessee and how local law affects estate planning for people living in Powells Crossroads. You will find an overview of the firm’s approach, the benefits of a properly drafted will, and practical guidance on common decisions like naming an executor, distributing assets, and appointing guardians. Whether someone’s estate is modest or complex, taking steps now to document intentions can make the post‑death process smoother for family members and reduce the likelihood of court disputes. The content below is intended to help you understand options and prepare to take practical next steps.
Why Having a Will Matters for Families in Powells Crossroads
A well-drafted will provides direction at a time when loved ones may be coping with grief, helping ensure property and responsibilities transfer according to the decedent’s wishes. For residents of Powells Crossroads, clear documentation can reduce confusion about personal property, financial accounts, and real estate located in Marion County. Naming an executor and guardians in a will gives the court clear guidance and can shorten the time and expense of estate administration. Additionally, a will allows individuals to leave specific bequests, create conditions for distributions, and make final wishes known, which can strengthen family relationships and ease the administrative burden after a death.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Approach to Wills
Jay Johnson Law Firm assists families across Tennessee with practical estate planning tools, including wills tailored to local laws and family circumstances in Powells Crossroads. Our process emphasizes listening to your priorities, explaining relevant legal standards in straightforward terms, and preparing documents that reflect your directions for property and guardianship. We help clients consider potential tax and probate implications, coordinate with financial and caregiving plans, and ensure documents are executed to meet Tennessee legal requirements. The goal is to deliver clear, enforceable wills that provide peace of mind and reduce administrative friction for survivors.
Understanding Wills: What They Do and How They Work in Tennessee
A will is a written legal declaration of a person’s intentions for distributing property and appointing responsible parties after death. In Tennessee, a valid will must meet certain formalities, typically requiring a signed document and witness attestations, and should reflect the testator’s capacity and intent. Wills can address who receives specific gifts, residual estate distribution, appointment of an estate representative, and guardian designations for minor children. For residents of Powells Crossroads, a will ensures local property and assets are handled consistently with personal wishes and provides a foundation for any additional estate planning tools you may need.
While a will is an essential tool, it functions together with beneficiary designations, joint ownership, and other estate planning arrangements. Probate in Tennessee follows the terms of a valid will, but some assets pass outside probate through designated beneficiaries or transfers. Preparing a will involves reviewing asset ownership, family circumstances, and any potential claims against the estate. This planning process helps align your instructions with current laws and practical administration steps and can prevent unintended outcomes or family disagreements after you pass away.
Definition and Key Functions of a Will
A will is the primary legal instrument for documenting how a person wants property distributed after death and who should administer those wishes. It typically names an executor to manage estate affairs, specifies gifts of money or property, and addresses residual distributions. Wills can also include funeral preferences and direct the disposition of personal items. In Tennessee, clarity in language and proper execution are important to reduce the risk of contested provisions. Creating a will provides legal clarity and a formal record of intent that courts and family members can rely upon during estate administration.
Key Elements of a Will and the Associated Administrative Processes
A properly drafted will should identify the testator, declare the document as the last will and testament, and include specific bequests, residue provisions, executor appointment, and guardianship nominations when relevant. It should also include signature and witnessing details required by Tennessee law. Following death, the will is typically submitted to probate, where the court oversees the appointment of the estate representative and the resolution of claims. Our approach emphasizes documenting clear instructions and maintaining records so the probate process can proceed efficiently and with minimal uncertainty for heirs and beneficiaries.
Key Terms and Glossary for Wills and Estate Planning
Understanding common terms used in wills and probate can help you make informed decisions about estate planning. This glossary defines important concepts such as executor, beneficiary, probate, intestacy, and testamentary capacity. Knowing these terms helps clarify how assets will be distributed and what legal processes may apply after a death. The descriptions below are intended to demystify the vocabulary encountered when creating a will or managing an estate in Tennessee, so you can confidently discuss options and ensure your documents reflect your intentions.
Executor (Personal Representative)
The executor, also called the personal representative in Tennessee, is the person named in a will to manage the estate administration process. This role involves filing the will with the probate court, inventorying assets, paying valid debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to beneficiaries under the court’s supervision. Executors must act in the estate’s best interest, keep accurate records, and communicate with heirs. Selecting an appropriate executor in your will is important because that person will be responsible for carrying out your final directions and handling administrative responsibilities on behalf of the estate.
Intestacy
Intestacy occurs when someone dies without a valid will, and state law determines how assets are distributed. In Tennessee, intestacy rules establish priority among surviving spouses, children, parents, and other relatives to receive property. When a person dies intestate, the court will appoint an administrator to handle estate settlement, and that process can be more time-consuming and unpredictable than when a will provides clear instructions. Creating a will helps avoid intestacy and allows individuals to select beneficiaries, appoint guardians for minor children, and outline specific distribution plans for assets.
Beneficiary
A beneficiary is an individual or entity named in a will to receive property, money, or other assets from the estate. Beneficiaries can include family members, friends, charities, or trusts. Wills can identify primary beneficiaries as well as contingent recipients who inherit if the primary beneficiary cannot. Clear beneficiary designations help ensure that distributions follow the testator’s intentions and can reduce arguments among potential heirs. Regularly reviewing and updating beneficiary selections is important to reflect life changes like marriage, divorce, births, or changes in financial circumstances.
Guardianship for Minor Children
Guardianship provisions in a will allow parents to name individuals to care for minor children if both parents are deceased. Naming a guardian provides the court with a clear preference and can help prevent contested guardianship proceedings. A will can also specify how assets designated for child care or support should be managed, including trusteeship arrangements. Choosing a guardian involves considering who will provide emotional care and who can manage financial responsibilities for the children’s needs. Including these provisions in a will helps protect children’s welfare and provides guidance to the court and family.
Comparing Wills with Other Estate Planning Options
Wills are one of several estate planning tools, each with different functions and consequences. While a will governs property distribution and guardianship after death, other mechanisms like beneficiary designations, joint ownership, and trusts can transfer assets outside probate or provide ongoing management for certain assets. Choosing the right combination depends on family needs, asset types, and probate avoidance goals. For many Powells Crossroads residents, starting with a will makes sense, then evaluating whether additional tools are needed to address privacy, tax planning, or management of assets for minor or incapacitated beneficiaries.
When a Simple Will May Be Appropriate:
Smaller Estates with Clear Beneficiaries
A straightforward will can be sufficient for individuals with modest estates and uncomplicated family situations where assets will go to an obvious surviving spouse or children. When property consists primarily of personal items, modest bank accounts, and no real estate or business interests, a simple will often provides clear instructions for distribution and appoints an administrator to handle the estate. This approach keeps legal costs and administrative steps proportionate to the estate’s size while ensuring decisions reflect the decedent’s intentions and ease the process for surviving family members.
Clear Distribution Goals and Limited Debt
A simple will can work well when the decedent’s goals are limited to naming heirs, appointing an executor, and designating guardians if needed, and when there are few or no creditors or complex tax concerns. If assets are straightforward and debts manageable, the estate administration process is less likely to require extensive legal or financial planning. In these cases, drafting a concise and properly executed will provides the necessary legal framework to carry out final wishes without layering on additional planning instruments that may not provide substantial benefit.
When More Comprehensive Planning Is Advisable:
Complex Asset Structures and Real Estate
Comprehensive planning becomes important when the estate includes real estate, business interests, retirement accounts, or assets held jointly across multiple states. These situations can complicate probate and tax treatment and may require tailored documents such as trusts or beneficiary arrangements to meet long-term goals and minimize administrative hurdles. Comprehensive planning helps coordinate ownership forms and succession plans so that assets pass according to the individual’s intentions while reducing the potential for disputes and unnecessary expenses during administration.
Family Dynamics and Protection Needs
When family circumstances include blended families, beneficiaries with special needs, or concerns about creditor claims, a more detailed estate plan can provide tailored protections. Trusts, detailed fiduciary directions, and careful beneficiary designations can help preserve assets for intended recipients and ensure support is delivered as intended. Addressing potential conflicts proactively with clear, legally enforceable instruments reduces the risk of contested estates and helps preserve family relationships by providing transparent instructions for handling sensitive matters.
Benefits of a Coordinated Estate Plan for Wills and Related Documents
A coordinated estate plan that integrates a will with beneficiary designations and other documents reduces the likelihood of unintended outcomes and can streamline administration. For residents of Powells Crossroads, this approach clarifies who will receive assets, how children will be cared for, and who will handle administration. It can also address contingencies like incapacity through complementary documents, ensuring decisions are made according to the person’s preferences. A comprehensive plan improves predictability, reduces the administrative burden, and helps protect family members from uncertainty during an already difficult time.
Combining a will with additional estate planning tools offers flexibility to handle various asset types and personal circumstances. Trusts can control distributions over time, beneficiary designations can transfer retirement and insurance proceeds efficiently, and a properly appointed fiduciary can handle tasks smoothly. Together, these measures help manage tax considerations where applicable, ensure continuity of care for dependents, and reduce the scope for conflict among heirs. The result is a plan that aligns legal documents with practical family and financial objectives.
Greater Certainty and Fewer Probate Delays
A comprehensive approach increases legal certainty by ensuring documents are consistent and properly executed, which reduces the chance of probate challenges and administrative delay. Clear beneficiary designations and coordinated ownership structures help minimize assets that must pass through probate, while well-drafted wills and supporting instruments speed the court-supervised administration when probate is required. This smoother process benefits heirs by reducing legal fees, limiting disputes, and allowing distributions to occur more promptly in accordance with the decedent’s intentions.
Personalized Solutions for Family Needs
A tailored plan adapts to personal and family needs such as protecting assets for minor children, addressing support for aging relatives, or managing distributions for beneficiaries who may not be ready to receive a lump sum. By combining wills with trusts and other arrangements, the plan can provide ongoing oversight, staged distributions, or restrictions that align with the testator’s values. This personalized approach helps ensure that resources are used as intended and that important family considerations are reflected in the legal framework.
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Practical Tips for Preparing a Will in Powells Crossroads
Inventory Your Assets and Records
Before drafting a will, create a comprehensive inventory of assets, including bank accounts, retirement accounts, real property, vehicles, and valuable personal items. Gather important documents like deeds, account statements, insurance policies, and information about debts. Knowing the full picture of your financial and property holdings helps ensure your will accurately reflects what you own and avoids omissions that can complicate estate administration. This preparation also helps you make informed decisions about specific bequests, residual distributions, and the selection of a trusted fiduciary to carry out your wishes.
Choose Fiduciaries Thoughtfully
Review and Update Regularly
Life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant changes in assets should prompt a review of your will and related estate planning documents. Periodic reviews ensure that beneficiary designations, guardianship choices, and distribution instructions remain aligned with current circumstances and intentions. Failing to update a will after major changes can lead to unintended results and family disputes. Regularly revisiting your plan and coordinating documents like beneficiary forms and deeds helps maintain consistency and protects the integrity of your estate plan.
Reasons to Create or Update a Will in Powells Crossroads
Creating or updating a will is an important step to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and to provide clear instructions for those left behind. A will can designate an administrator, reduce ambiguity about personal property, and name guardians for minor children. For homeowners in Marion County, documenting how real estate should be handled prevents surprises and can make transitions smoother for family members. Taking these steps now helps reduce administrative burdens and emotional strain for loved ones during a difficult time.
Updating a will is equally important when life circumstances change, because outdated documents can create conflicts or unintended beneficiaries. Regular reviews ensure that beneficiary designations, executors, and guardians reflect current relationships and financial situations. Addressing debts, charitable intentions, and specific bequests in a current will reduces the chance of confusion or court intervention. Ultimately, having an up-to-date will helps preserve family harmony and ensures that the distribution of your property follows your values and practical preferences.
Common Situations Where a Will Is Needed
People commonly need a will when they marry, have children, acquire real estate, start a business, or experience changes in family relationships that affect inheritance plans. A will is particularly important for parents wanting to name guardians, for owners of property in their own name, and for individuals who wish to leave specific gifts to friends or charities. Additionally, those who previously executed a will before major life events should review and modify their documents to ensure current choices are accurately reflected and legally enforceable under Tennessee law.
New Parenthood or Guardianship Concerns
Becoming a parent introduces the need to designate guardians and plan for financial support of minor children. A will provides a mechanism to name a preferred guardian and set out instructions for how assets should be managed for a child’s benefit. By expressing these choices clearly, parents can guide the court’s decision and provide for a trusted individual to care for their children if both parents are unavailable. Including provisions for managing assets for a child’s care helps secure their future and reduces uncertainty for caregivers.
Purchase of Real Property or Major Assets
When acquiring real estate or other significant assets, updating a will ensures that those items are distributed according to your wishes and clarifies how debts tied to those assets should be handled. Property ownership structures and mortgage obligations can affect estate administration, so reflecting new acquisitions in your estate planning documents helps prevent unintended outcomes. Clear instructions for real property transfer can facilitate smoother handling of physical assets and provide guidance to family members on caretaker responsibilities or sale options.
Changes in Marital or Family Relationships
Marriage, divorce, remarriage, or the formation of blended families often requires revisiting estate plans to ensure beneficiaries and fiduciary appointments reflect current relationships. Without updates, prior documents might name individuals who are no longer appropriate or fail to account for new family members. Revising your will after such changes allows you to realign distributions, appoint suitable personal representatives, and address inheritance issues in a way that reflects your present intentions and family dynamics.
Local Wills Services for Powells Crossroads and Marion County
Jay Johnson Law Firm provides wills and basic estate planning services to residents of Powells Crossroads and surrounding Marion County communities. Our local focus means we are familiar with Tennessee’s probate framework and the common issues that arise for area families. We guide clients through decisions about asset distribution, executor selection, and guardianship nominations, and we prepare documents that meet formal requirements for validity. The objective is to offer straightforward, reliable documentation so families can move forward with confidence knowing there is a plan in place.
Why Clients Choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for Wills
Clients seek a practical and personalized approach when preparing a will, and Jay Johnson Law Firm focuses on clear communication and careful document preparation. We begin by discussing priorities and family circumstances, then explain relevant Tennessee rules and how they affect your plan. The process aims to produce a will that reflects your intentions, appoints appropriate fiduciaries, and reduces the potential for confusion or disputes during administration. Having a local legal partner can simplify execution and future updates when circumstances change.
Our team emphasizes ensuring documents are properly executed and organized for future access. We help clients gather necessary information, review ownership and beneficiary designations, and coordinate documents that work together effectively. By addressing both legal formalities and practical administration concerns, the firm helps make the probate process less burdensome for family members. Clients appreciate the straightforward guidance and attention to detail that can prevent common pitfalls in estate planning and estate settlement.
We understand that estate planning is a personal matter, so our approach is to provide clear options and document your choices in a way that aligns with your priorities. We assist with revising wills over time and explaining how changes in law or family circumstances might affect your plan. The goal is to help you create a durable set of documents that protect your intentions and make it easier for the people you care about to manage estate matters after you are gone.
Ready to Prepare or Update Your Will? Contact Our Powells Crossroads Office
How We Handle Will Preparation and Estate Planning
Our process begins with a consultation to review family goals, assets, and any concerns about guardianship or beneficiary arrangements. We explain the legal requirements for wills in Tennessee and recommend document provisions that align with your objectives. After gathering necessary information, we draft the will and related documents, review them with you, and arrange for proper execution. Finally, we provide organized copies and guidance on safe storage and future updates to ensure the plan remains consistent with life changes and legal requirements.
Step One: Initial Consultation and Information Gathering
The first step involves discussing family dynamics, asset ownership, and your goals for distribution and guardianship. During this meeting we gather details about real estate, accounts, personal property, and any existing documents that may affect your plan. We also explore possible issues like creditor exposure or out-of-state property that could influence the recommended approach. This information forms the basis for drafting a will that accurately reflects your intentions while remaining compliant with Tennessee legal standards.
Discussing Priorities and Family Considerations
During the initial discussion we ask about primary objectives such as naming guardians, leaving specific bequests, or providing for a surviving spouse. We also consider family relationships and potential logistical issues that could affect administration. This conversation helps shape the will’s structure and ensures sensitive matters are addressed thoughtfully. By understanding your priorities, we can propose practical drafting alternatives that meet legal requirements while honoring your personal wishes for distribution and caretaking arrangements.
Collecting Asset and Document Information
Collecting accurate information about assets and existing beneficiary designations is important to avoid unintended outcomes. We review deeds, account statements, policy information, and any prior estate documents to determine how assets are titled and where beneficiary updates may be needed. This step reduces the chance of surprises during administration and helps coordinate the will with other components of your estate plan so that your intentions are carried out consistently.
Step Two: Drafting the Will and Related Documents
After gathering necessary information, we prepare a draft will that reflects your instructions, nominates fiduciaries, and addresses guardianship and distribution issues. We review the language with you to ensure clarity and to confirm that the document aligns with your goals and Tennessee legal formalities. If additional documents such as powers of attorney or health directives are advisable, we prepare those as well so that you have a coordinated set of estate planning tools.
Preparing Clear and Compliant Documents
Drafting focuses on clarity, legal compliance, and practical administration. The will is structured to avoid ambiguous directions and to provide the court and fiduciaries with straightforward instructions for handling property and responsibilities. Where appropriate, we recommend complementary documents that address incapacity or transfer of nonprobate assets. The aim is to create a cohesive plan that is legally sound and administratively practical for your family to implement.
Reviewing and Finalizing the Draft
We review the draft will together with clients, discuss any adjustments needed, and explain execution requirements in Tennessee, such as witness signatures. This review ensures the document captures your intentions and that you understand the implications of different provisions. Once finalized, we arrange for proper signing and provide guidance on where to store the original will so it is accessible when needed while remaining secure.
Step Three: Execution and Ongoing Maintenance
After execution, maintaining and updating your will when circumstances change is an important part of responsible planning. We advise on safe storage and delivery of copies to key fiduciaries, and we provide recommendations for periodic review. If significant life events occur, we can assist with amendments or complete revisions to ensure your documents continue to reflect your wishes and remain effective under current Tennessee law.
Proper Execution and Witnessing
Proper execution according to state rules is necessary for a will to be legally valid. We explain the witnessing requirements and help coordinate a signing session to meet those standards. Clear documentation of execution reduces the risk of disputes over validity and ensures the court can accept the will for probate. Guidance on storing the original and communicating its location to trusted individuals also helps preserve the document for future administration.
Periodic Reviews and Revisions
Life changes such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or major changes in asset ownership warrant a review of your will. Periodic revisions ensure beneficiary designations, fiduciary appointments, and distribution instructions remain current. We recommend reviewing estate documents at major milestones and when financial circumstances shift, to prevent unintended results and maintain consistency across all estate planning instruments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wills in Powells Crossroads
What makes a will valid in Tennessee?
To make a will valid in Tennessee, the document must be written by someone with legal capacity and a clear intention to create a last will and testament. The will should be signed by the testator and witnessed by two competent witnesses who attest to the signature in the testator’s presence. Proper execution avoids avoidable validity challenges and helps ensure the document can be admitted to probate.Aside from formal signing and witnessing requirements, it is important to clearly identify the testator and articulate distribution instructions and fiduciary appointments in unambiguous language. Keeping a record of related documents and following the statute’s execution procedures reduces the chance of administrative problems when presenting the will to the court.
How do I name a guardian for my minor children in a will?
You can name a guardian for your minor children within your will by expressly designating the individual or individuals you prefer to care for them if both parents are unavailable. The will can state primary and alternate guardians so the court has clear guidance. It is wise to discuss the appointment with the person you choose to ensure they are willing and able to serve.Although the court retains authority to review guardian nominations, a clear, documented designation in your will gives substantial weight to your wishes. Consider also whether you need to provide for the children financially through trusts or direct bequests and explain how assets should be managed for their benefit to help ensure stability and continuity of care.
Can I change my will after it is signed?
Yes, you can change your will after it is signed by creating a valid codicil or by executing a new will that revokes the earlier document. A codicil is an amendment that modifies specific provisions while leaving the rest of the will intact and must meet the same signing and witnessing requirements as the original will. Executing a new will that expressly revokes prior wills is another common method to make comprehensive changes.It is important to follow Tennessee’s formalities when altering a will to avoid ambiguity or accidental revocation. Keeping clear records of the most recent document and communicating the plan to key fiduciaries helps prevent confusion and ensures the intended version is honored at the time of probate.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Tennessee?
If someone dies without a valid will in Tennessee, the estate is distributed according to the state’s intestacy rules, which set priorities among surviving spouses, children, parents, and more distant relatives. The probate court will appoint an administrator to settle the estate, pay debts, and distribute assets to heirs under the statutory scheme. This process can take longer and be less predictable than administration under a valid will.Without a will, wishes about guardianship, specific gifts, or desired fiduciaries are not recorded, which can result in outcomes that differ from what the decedent might have preferred. Preparing a will ensures greater control over distributions and reduces the potential for family disputes or unexpected administrative burdens.
How does a will interact with beneficiary designations and joint accounts?
A will governs assets that pass through probate, but many assets transfer outside probate through beneficiary designations and joint ownership. Retirement accounts, life insurance proceeds, and payable-on-death accounts typically pass to named beneficiaries regardless of the will’s terms. Jointly owned property may also pass to the surviving joint owner by operation of law. Reviewing these designations is important to ensure they align with the will’s instructions.Coordinating beneficiary forms and ownership arrangements with your will can prevent conflicts and unintended transfers. Ensuring all documents work together and are updated after major life events helps carry out your overall estate planning intentions and avoids surprises for heirs during administration.
Do I need a will if I have a small estate?
Even for smaller estates, having a will provides clear direction and reduces uncertainty for surviving family members. A will allows you to name an administrator, specify distribution of assets, and designate guardians for minor children, which can be extremely important for family stability. While some assets may transfer by beneficiary designations, a will ensures that personal property and other items are distributed according to your wishes.For modest estates, a simple will can be a cost‑effective way to document important decisions and reduce the risk of intestacy. Periodically reviewing beneficiary designations and ensuring ownership structures match your intentions provides a reliable plan that benefits both you and your loved ones.
How long does probate take in Marion County?
The length of probate in Marion County varies depending on the estate’s complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested. Simple estates with clear documentation and cooperation among heirs can move through probate more quickly, while estates with real estate, out-of-state assets, or disputes may take longer. Timely filing of required inventories and communication with the court helps move the process forward efficiently.Planning steps that reduce probate assets, such as updated beneficiary designations and coordinated ownership, can shorten or simplify administration. Preparing clear, properly executed documents and maintaining organized records for the estate representative can also reduce delays and administrative burdens during probate.
Can a will be contested, and how can disputes be minimized?
A will can be contested on grounds such as undue influence, lack of capacity, fraud, or improper execution. While contests are sometimes unavoidable, clear documentation of intent and proper execution helps minimize the risk of successful challenges. Including detailed explanations where appropriate and ensuring witnesses are available to attest to the signing can reduce ambiguity about validity.Open communication with family members and thoughtful selection of fiduciaries can also lessen the likelihood of disputes. When potential conflict is foreseeable, additional planning tools such as trusts or thorough documentation of the circumstances surrounding a will’s execution may provide extra protection and clarity for beneficiaries.
Should I include funeral or burial wishes in my will?
You can include funeral or burial wishes in your will, but because wills are often read after the funeral, it is advisable to communicate those preferences separately in a readily accessible document or to inform a trusted person of your wishes. Including funeral directions in a will is still useful for expressing intent, but relying solely on the will may delay awareness of those instructions when arrangements must be made promptly.Consider providing written instructions to a designated family member or fiduciary and keeping copies with important documents so your preferences are known at the time they are needed. This dual approach ensures that your final wishes for funeral and burial are respected and acted upon promptly.
How often should I review and update my will?
It is prudent to review your will every few years and after any major life event such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes in assets. Such reviews help ensure beneficiary designations, guardian appointments, and distribution instructions remain aligned with your current circumstances and intentions. Regular reviews also allow you to account for changes in Tennessee law that could affect estate administration.If you experience a major change, updating your will promptly prevents unintended outcomes and reduces the potential for disputes. Keeping the original will accessible and notifying trusted persons of its location makes it easier to implement your wishes when the time comes.