Episcopal Diocese of Alaska

Wills

Wills Awareness

“From Generation to Generation”

As Episcopalians we are asked to examine our priorities and find a way to give from the extraordinary gifts which our Lord has blessed us. One way to do that is to remember your congregation, or any diocesan or national church program or ministry with a planned gift. The simplest way to provide a permanent source of support for your Episcopal Church is through a bequest in your will.

On page 445 of the Book of Common prayer the rubric reminds us "The Minister of the Congregation is directed to instruct the people, from time to time, about the duty of Christian parents to make prudent provision for the well-being of their families…not neglecting, if they are able, to leave bequests for religious and charitable uses." Nearly 50% of Americans die without a written will. In that case the state will make decisions for your family which they must then follow. You cannot provide for minors. The court will appoint a guardian for them, and the guardian will make decisions about the child’s care which you might not have made.

For purposes of inheritance, Alaska is not absolutely a "community property" state. If you are married, most of what you have you own jointly with your spouse. But not necessarily everything. At the death of a spouse who does not have a will, the survivor will normally receive the community property of the deceased, but not necessarily all of the separate property.

When the survivor - or any unmarried person - is called to his or her reward without a will, the Probate Court of the State of Alaska will decide what is to be done with the assets in accordance with the laws of the state. What difference does it make? Won't the court give your assets to your next of kin? Probably, but not to your special friend, not to your church or your school or other favorite charities. In the absence of a will that expresses your wishes clearly and legally, the court will decide according to a formula; it will not consider the special needs of any of your family members.

You can only be certain that your wishes will be carried out as you intend if you make a will and update it every few years or every time your situation changes significantly, such as when: moving to another state, your children mature, your marital status changes, a family member is born or dies, you retire, etc.

Making a will is your opportunity to express in legal terms your priorities and concerns for the people and institutions in your life. The rubric from the Book of Common Prayer reminds readers ". . .to leave bequests for religious and charitable uses." This offers you a threefold opportunity: to support your church, to be a part of the life of the church community after you have left this life, and to make a witness to your family and friends of what was important and valuable in your life.

The Development Office of the Diocese of Alaska is eager to help individuals and congregations to further develop their financial discipleship. Including:

* Wills/estate planning seminars

* Individual consultation from a professional gift planning specialist through our partnership with the Episcopal Church Foundation

* Model language to include the Church in your will

* Preaching & spiritual guidance on the theology of stewardship and planned giving--financial discipleship, or a God-centered relationship to money

* Help with establishing an endowment fund for local congregations or other diocesan ministries

* Referral to attorneys or professional gift planners to assist individuals

Why does everyone need a will?

With a Will

Without a Will

	You can direct the distribution of your assets to those you care about most.
	You can choose a personal representative (executor) who will oversee the distribution of your assets.
	You avoid unnecessary expenses on the administration of the estate.
	You can provide appropriately for minor children by naming a guardian or establishing a trust.
	You can provide for family members, friends, or relatives according to their needs.
	You can save considerable estate tax by utilizing proper estate planning techniques.
	You can provide support for charitable causes that have had special meaning for you.
	You can give a last and lasting testimony of what mattered most to you in this life, and provide a compass for others to steer by in their own.

	State statute determines the distribution of your property.
	The court appoints an administrator for you.
	Because the administrator is subject to constant court supervision, the cost of administering the estate may be greater.
	You cannot provide for minors. The court will appoint a guardian for them, and the guardian will make decisions about a child’s care which you should have made.
	Your heirs will not necessarily benefit in proportions or amounts you would have intended.
	Your estate may lose thousands of dollars in needless taxes because you did not take advantage of the tax-saving opportunities available to you.
	You cannot support a charitable cause.

Episcopal Diocese of Alaska

Wills Awareness

Why does everyone need a will?

Send mail to lwinfrey@gci.net with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: 03/30/04

Send mail to lwinfrey@gci.net with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 03/30/04