Opinion: Planning during the pandemic? Get a will.

Jennifer Pagnillo, a partner at Day Pitney, discusses the importance of estate planning for National Make-a-Will Month. A recent study from Caring.com's 2020 Estate Planning and Wills Study shows that less than one-third of all Americans have a will or other type of estate planning document. Without a will, Pagnillo explains that one's state's law controls the distribution of property at death, which can lead to unintended consequences. Having a will is an important first step, but it is also important to make sure that all beneficiary designations are properly completed so that retirement plans, insurance and the like also pass as you intend at your death. Revocable (living) trusts and incapacity documents are other important parts of your estate plan. Thinking about your death is never pleasant, but the alternative can be costly and litigious and have undesirable results.

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