by David J. Doino

The planning and writing of a will is both a family obligation and a personal privilege.  

We live in a nation of laws.  During all of our lifetime, different laws apply to us.  When we are born, our birth is registered as required by law.  During life, we comply with legal requirements in purchasing a home, in paying taxes, in securing a passport and in many more of life's activities.   

When we die, our life's passing is noted in securing a death certificate and in the probate process.  In all of life's activities, the law is there.  

One of the most important legal opportunities each of us faces pertains to the future ownership of our possessions.  Before we die, we can make a will that determines who will receive our estates.  

In the event we do not have a will, the court or others will decide for us, often ignoring our important preferences.  Some may argue that deciding not to write a will reflects a lack of civic responsibility and a lost opportunity to demonstrate our love to those whom we cherish.  

Every person has the legal right to make a will.  Details of your will include the naming of an executor, deciding who will serve as guardians of minor children, providing guidelines concerning how they will be raised, determining the use of accumulated wealth, and expressing gratitude for all of life's blessings by giving to the charity or charities of your choice. Life involves a string of choices, and the most important choices we make involve the use and disposition of what we have.  This is called stewardship, the management of our resources.   

The NCCF recently established the Bequest Society for Northern Chautauqua as a means to honor and acknowledge those who have indicated their plans to include the foundation in their estate plan or will.  Your bequest to the NCCF could benefit a specific charity or the community at large.  For many, it can be a meaningful way to express gratitude for your life’s blessings.  

For information on the Bequest Society, contact me at 366-4892 or ddoino@nccfoundation.org.