4 Steps to Your First Will
Start by getting organized: Outline your objectives, determine the value of your property, inventory your major assets, estimate outstanding debts, and prepare a list of family members and other beneficiaries to whom you want to pass assets. You'll also want to ask yourself these two questions:
- How do I want to divide my assets among my family members, other loved ones and favorite causes?
- Do I need to make special provisions for any of my heirs?
| Read in-depth information about creating your first will. |
2. Choose Guardians
If you have minor children or an adult child, a parent, or a spouse with special needs who is your dependent, you must think about who will care for them when you're gone. Talk to your proposed guardian ahead of time about what you are asking, and understand that if you don't name a guardian, the courts may end up doing it for you.
3. Choose an Executor
Your executor undertakes many important responsibilities, including:
- Notifying all interested parties and agencies of your death.
- Paying creditors and outstanding taxes.
- Distributing your assets according to your will.
4. Meet With an Estate Planning Attorney
To avoid trouble for your heirs, seek the counsel of an estate planning attorney to help record your wishes in a legally sound will.
When drafting your will, you may spend a few hundred dollars or several times that amount depending on where you live. Whatever the going rate in your area, resist the "deal." Instead, select a qualified estate planning attorney who can help you save your estate money and eliminate heartache in the long run.
| Learn how to prepare for this meeting with your attorney. |
We're Here to Help
When drafting your will, we hope you'll support Oregon Health & Science University by including a charitable bequest that will benefit our important cause after your lifetime. Just contact Office of Gift Planning at Toll Free 800-462-6608 or 503-228-1730 or pginfo@ohsu.edu if you would like more information about this flexible way to support our mission.
Thank you for considering a gift to OHSU through your will or revocable living trust.
It is important that the bequest designation read "OHSU Foundation." The foundation has been established to receive, manage, and disperse funds in the best way possible for the benefit of OHSU.
Basic Sample Bequest Language
"I hereby give, devise and bequeath ________ (a specific dollar amount or percentage of the residue of my estate) to the Oregon Health & Science University Foundation, a non-profit corporation of the State of Oregon, to be used to further the purposes of the Oregon Health & Science University in the area of greatest need."
If you wish to direct your gift to a specific area, we would be happy to help you with appropriate language. Please contact the Gift Planning Department at 503-228-1730 or 800-462-6608 or pginfo@ohsu.edu.
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Foundation (Tax ID # 23-7083114)
1121 SW Salmon Street, Suite 100
Portland, OR 97205-2020
Beginning July 1, 2011, a 2.5% administrative fee may be applied to gifts.
Getting Started | 4 Steps to Your First Will | Case Study | When and How to Update Your Will | What Your Will Can't Do | How to Find an Estate Planning Attorney | Action Items
