Should a Woman Make a Will? by Edward Bok

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 9, 1915

Should a Woman Make a Will?

By Edward Bok

SHE should — decidedly so! It is just as important for a woman as for a man. Suppose she passes away, and does not leave a will; what may happen?

First, the court has to appoint some one to take charge of her property, and this may be anybody. This person has the right to look into all her most private possessions,—letters, papers, etc.,—say what shall be done with her most precious things,—her watch, ring, etc. Would she like that?

Second, such a person — an administrator, he is called — has to file a bond. This bond costs money, and that money has to come out of what a woman leaves; a lawyer must be retained, the estate must be advertised, appraisers appointed, an inventory made, all of which costs money, and comes out of what she leaves. And the necessary red tape that the law requires may take a year or two, and the estate is tied up for all that time.

Third, if she is a widow and passes away without a will, leaving children, she thereby failed to indicate a guardian for the children, and the court must appoint one. She could have wisely selected a guardian who would act as a labor of love, but will the court do so? She leaves her children at the mercy of any one that the court chooses to appoint. If the children are under age, the complications become greater. Expenses come in, and they must all come out of what she leaves.

These are only some of the complications that arise when a woman leaves no will. They are enough, however, to show her the importance of making a will. Nor should she try to make a will herself, and save a lawyer's fee. Nothing is more shortsighted. Not only should every woman make a will, but she should let a lawyer make her will for her. Hundreds of family quarrels could have been avoided had women been more careful about leaving wills clearly stating their desires.—Edward Bok, in the Ladies' Home Journal.