As summer begins its gentle shift toward crisp autumn breezes, August arrives bearing a special designation: National Make-a-Will Month. For many families in Maryland and Virginia, this annual observance serves as a timely, friendly nudge. It is a reminder to pause, check in on our long-term goals, and put a solid legal foundation in place before the busy school and holiday seasons sweep us away.
If the thought of drafting or updating a will feels intimidating, you are not alone. Many people put off estate planning because they imagine it as a complicated, morbid, or stressful chore. But here at Eskay Law Group, we like to reframe it entirely: estate planning is not about dwelling on the end of life; it is an empowering act of love for the people you cherish most.
Taking care of this in August gives you immense peace of mind, knowing your loved ones are protected no matter what the future holds. To make the process completely manageable, we have broken it down into 5 straightforward, actionable steps you can accomplish before fall arrives.
Step 1: Take Inventory of Your Assets
Before you can decide how your legacy will be structured, you need a clear snapshot of what you own. Taking inventory doesn’t have to be a tedious audit: think of it as gathering your financial puzzle pieces so they fit together perfectly.
Make a comprehensive list of your tangible and intangible assets:
- Real Estate: Primary homes, vacation properties, or land.
- Financial Accounts: Checking and savings accounts, retirement funds (401(k)s, IRAs), and brokerage accounts.
- Business Interests: If you own a small business or LLC, your company assets, operating agreements, and valuation details.
- Personal Property: Vehicles, family heirlooms, jewelry, art, and valuable collections.
- Digital Assets: Online accounts, cryptocurrency, intellectual property, and digital photos or documents.
Having this organized inventory ready makes your planning session smooth, efficient, and tailored to your actual net worth.
Step 2: Choose Your Beneficiaries and Guard for Minor Children
Once you know what you have, the next step is deciding who will benefit from your estate. This is often the most emotional part of the process, but it is also the most rewarding.
Protecting Your Children
If you have minor children, naming a legal guardian is the single most important decision you will ever make. Without a will specifying your wishes, a judge in Maryland or Virginia will decide who raises your children: and that decision might land on someone you would never have chosen.
When choosing guardians and alternate guardians, consider:
- Their parenting values, lifestyle, and health.
- Where they live and their willingness to take on this profound responsibility.
- How financial assets will be managed for your children until they reach adulthood (which can be structured carefully through trusts rather than handing over a lump sum at age 18).
Step 3: Decide on an Executor (Personal Representative)
Your executor (referred to in some states as a personal representative) is the trusted individual responsible for carrying out the instructions in your will. They will manage your estate administration, pay final expenses, file tax returns, and distribute assets to your beneficiaries.
Choosing the right executor is critical. You want someone who is:
- Organized and detail-oriented: Capable of handling paperwork and communicating with financial institutions.
- Emotionally steady: Able to navigate probate or estate administration during a difficult time of grief.
- Willing to serve: Always have an open conversation with your chosen person beforehand to confirm they are comfortable taking on the role: and consider naming a backup executor just in case.
Step 4: Consider a Trust vs. a Will
A common question families ask during Make-a-Will Month is: Do I need a will, a trust, or both?
While a will is the foundational document for almost every estate plan, it is not always a magic bullet.
- Wills direct how assets are distributed after death and must generally go through the court-supervised probate process, which can take time and incur public fees.
- Trusts (such as revocable living trusts) allow you to bypass probate entirely, keeping your family’s financial matters private, minimizing court involvement, and providing structured distributions for heirs or beneficiaries with special needs.
At Eskay Law Group, we take a personalized, relationship-based approach. We look closely at your unique family dynamics, asset types, and privacy goals to determine whether a will alone or a comprehensive trust-based plan best serves your family.
Step 5: Work With a Local Estate Planning Attorney (Not a DIY Form)
It is tempting to download a generic fill-in-the-blank template online and check “estate planning” off your weekend to-do list. Unfortunately, generic DIY forms are notorious for missing state-specific nuances in Maryland and Virginia, leading to invalid execution, family conflict, or unintended tax consequences.
Working with a dedicated local estate planning attorney ensures that:
- Your documents strictly comply with Maryland and Virginia state laws.
- Your beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance policies coordinate properly with your will or trust.
- You receive ongoing support as your life, laws, and family dynamics evolve over time.
The Eskay Law Group Difference
We believe estate planning shouldn’t be a transactional, one-and-done legal document creation. Our relationship-based model focuses on protecting not just your money, but your family’s values, voice, and relationships. With transparent pricing, our “no surprise” promise, and comprehensive guidance from day one, we keep your loved ones out of court and out of conflict.
Secure Your Legacy This August
August is fleeting, but the peace of mind you gain by completing your estate plan lasts a lifetime. By taking inventory, naming guardians, selecting an executor, exploring trusts, and partnering with an experienced local attorney, you give your family the ultimate gift: clarity, security, and love translated into action.
Ready to check Make-a-Will Month off your list before fall arrives? Contact Eskay Law Group today to schedule your personalized estate planning consultation and take the first step toward lasting peace of mind.