The most important thing you could ever do for yourself. Even though the majority of Americans realize we should do it, 70% of us do not have a will, according to Nolo.com. Yet, having a will is the simplest way to ensure that your personal property is distributed according to your wishes. Without a will, the government could take nearly half of your assets. It's never to late to make out a will. It is especially important for those who have young children because a will allows for the designation of a guardian. Here is some basic information about creating a will. There are actually three documents that you may need to consider creating: a living will, a will and final arrangements. A living will explains your wishes for medical care, in the event that you become terminally ill or unconscious. A will allows for the distribution of your personal property. Final arrangements paperwork indicates how you would like your funeral arrangements handled. Surprisingly, most individuals do not necessarily need to contact an attorney to create any of the above documents. Basic software programs are available that allow you to create your own documents. Of course, if you have a more complicated request when creating your will, such as establishing a trust for your children, then you should consult your attorney and/or estate planner. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to have your will notarized. You simply need to sign your will in the presence of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries of your estate. If those two witnesses swear before a notary that they observed you signing the will, then the legal process will proceed much more quickly and your will would likely not be called into question before the legal system. This is where much of the confusion stems from regarding having a will notarized. Lastly, while a will should be kept in a safe place, you should not store it in a safe deposit box, as access is limited to others upon your death. Though no one likes to think about the possibility of death, taking a few simple steps now will give you and your family peace of mind and ensure that your wishes are met. For more information: Visit www.MetLife.com or www.Nolo.com for more information about how to create your own will. Send for Phi Mu Foundation's new brochure, "Creating a Lasting Legacy," for more ideas.