Why Everyone Needs a Will, Regardless of Age

Many people assume estate planning is something you do later in life—after buying a house, having children, or building substantial wealth. As a result, young and middle-aged adults often delay creating a will because it feels unnecessary or premature.

In reality, having a will is not about age or wealth. It’s about control, clarity, and protecting the people you care about. In Ohio, even young individuals with modest assets can benefit significantly from having a properly drafted will in place.

A Will Is About More Than Money

At its core, a will is a legal document that states what should happen to your property and responsibilities when you die. While people often think of wills as tools for distributing large estates, they also address practical and deeply personal issues.

For example, a will can:

• Name who receives your personal property

• Designate a guardian for minor children

• Appoint an executor to handle your affairs

• Provide instructions that reduce confusion and conflict

Even if your assets are limited, the clarity a will provides can make an enormous difference for your loved ones during an already difficult time.

What Happens in Ohio If You Die Without a Will?

When someone dies without a will, Ohio law decides what happens next. This process is called intestate succession, and it follows a strict statutory formula.

Under Ohio’s intestacy laws, assets typically pass to:

• A surviving spouse

• Children

• Parents

• Siblings

• More distant relatives, depending on who survives

While this structure works in some situations, it does not account for personal preferences, family dynamics, or unique circumstances. For example, Ohio law does not consider close friends, unmarried partners, or stepchildren unless they are legally adopted. As a result, people you care deeply about may receive nothing.

Additionally, the court—not you—will determine who manages your estate. This can delay administration, increase costs, and create unnecessary stress for your family.

Why Young Adults Are Especially at Risk Without a Will

Young adults often assume they “don’t have enough” to justify a will. However, many still have assets and responsibilities that matter.

These may include:

• Bank accounts

• Vehicles

• Personal property

• Digital assets

• Student loan obligations

• Minor children

Without a will, the court must apply Ohio’s default rules, even if they do not align with your wishes. For parents, this is especially important—while a will does not guarantee a guardian appointment, it allows you to clearly express your preference, which courts strongly consider.

What a Will Can Cover in Ohio

A properly drafted Ohio will can address many important issues, including:

• Who receives your probate assets

• Who serves as executor of your estate

• Guardianship preferences for minor children

• How personal property is distributed

• Instructions for handling specific assets

By clearly stating your intentions, a will helps reduce disputes, streamline probate, and provide guidance during a stressful time.

What a Will Cannot Control

It’s equally important to understand what a will does not control.

In Ohio, a will generally does not govern:

• Assets with designated beneficiaries (such as life insurance or retirement accounts)

• Jointly owned property with rights of survivorship

• Payable-on-death or transfer-on-death accounts

These assets pass according to their beneficiary designations, regardless of what a will says. That’s why coordinating your will with beneficiary designations is critical.

What Happens to Your Debts If You Die Without a Will?

A common concern—especially among younger individuals—is debt.

In Ohio, your debts do not disappear when you die, but they also do not automatically transfer to your family. Instead, debts are paid from your estate during probate, if assets are available. Creditors must follow specific legal procedures to make claims.

If your estate lacks sufficient assets, remaining unsecured debts typically go unpaid. Family members are generally not personally responsible unless they are co-signers or otherwise legally obligated.

Having a will does not eliminate debt, but it does help ensure your estate is handled efficiently and according to Ohio law.

Who Can Draft a Will in Ohio?

Ohio allows individuals to draft their own wills, but validity depends on strict legal requirements, including proper execution and witnessing. Mistakes—especially with DIY or generic forms—can lead to challenges, delays, or invalidation.

Working with an Ohio attorney helps ensure that:

• The will complies with Ohio law

• Your wishes are clearly expressed

• The document works alongside other estate planning tools

Affordable legal drafting can prevent costly problems later.

Peace of Mind at Any Age

Having a will is not about expecting the worst. It’s about protecting your voice when you’re no longer able to speak for yourself.

For young adults, a will provides certainty, reduces the burden on loved ones, and ensures Ohio law does not make decisions on your behalf. Even a simple, well-drafted will can offer lasting peace of mind.

Affordable Will Drafting in Ohio

At Gavvl Law, we help individuals across Ohio create clear, legally valid wills—without unnecessary complexity or expense. Our goal is to make estate planning accessible, even for young adults who are just getting started.

If you have questions about creating a will or want to understand your options under Ohio law, contact Gavvl Law today at 513-960-4099 or schedule a consultation now.