AAR31 - What is a Will?

January 6, 2026

34 min episode · 2 min read

Episode

34 min

Read time

2 min

AI-Generated Summary

Published Jan 6, 2026

Key Takeaways

✓State probate delays: Without a will, estates enter state probate with backlogs of six to eight months, leaving spouses unable to access bank accounts, homes, or vehicles even with marriage certificates as proof of relationship.
✓Beneficiary designation: Add beneficiaries to all bank and brokerage accounts as a minimum protection step. Loved ones can then access funds immediately with just a death certificate and ID, bypassing lengthy probate processes entirely.
✓Will creation options: Create a will through LegalZoom for approximately $100, write it yourself with notarization in certain states, or hire an attorney for complicated estates. Update after major life events like marriage, divorce, or property purchases.
✓Document storage system: Store original wills in fireproof safes, make five physical copies for family members, scan digital versions to cloud storage, and maintain a binder with all passwords, account numbers, and insurance information for easy access.

What It Covers

Dave Ahern explains why wills matter, how to create one through attorneys or LegalZoom for around $100, what happens without one, and the difference between wills and trusts for estate planning.

Key Questions Answered

•State probate delays: Without a will, estates enter state probate with backlogs of six to eight months, leaving spouses unable to access bank accounts, homes, or vehicles even with marriage certificates as proof of relationship.
•Beneficiary designation: Add beneficiaries to all bank and brokerage accounts as a minimum protection step. Loved ones can then access funds immediately with just a death certificate and ID, bypassing lengthy probate processes entirely.
•Will creation options: Create a will through LegalZoom for approximately $100, write it yourself with notarization in certain states, or hire an attorney for complicated estates. Update after major life events like marriage, divorce, or property purchases.
•Document storage system: Store original wills in fireproof safes, make five physical copies for family members, scan digital versions to cloud storage, and maintain a binder with all passwords, account numbers, and insurance information for easy access.

Notable Moment

A bank customer discovered her deceased husband left no will and her name appeared on no accounts after thirty to forty years of marriage, leaving her legally without income, housing access, or transportation for months.

Know someone who'd find this useful?