It’s never too early or inconvenient to create a will. While young families and professionals generally focus on career growth and building wealth, planning for life’s uncertainties is essential. Establishing an estate plan as you build your assets ensures your loved ones are cared for and eases their burden in unexpected circumstances.

A will is essential for young families. It ensures your children are cared for by trusted guardians, their inheritance is protected, and your assets are distributed according to your wishes. It also simplifies the probate process and reduces stress for loved ones. Johnson, Murrell & Associates can help craft a secure will for your family’s future.  

Choosing Who Raises Your Children

Choosing who will raise your children is one of the most important reasons for a young family to have a will. In Tennessee, the court has final authority and must choose the person it believes is in the children’s best interests, but your will strongly guides that decision and tells the judge whom you trust most to raise your kids.

A will is the proper place to recommend a guardian if both parents pass away, rather than leaving the choice entirely to statutory default rules or to relatives competing in court. Judges typically give significant weight to the person parents nominate, especially when the choice appears thoughtful and consistent with the children’s needs.

When deciding whom to name, parents should think carefully about the candidate’s trustworthiness, existing relationship with the children, physical and emotional health, core values, and ability to provide a stable, loving home. It is also important to talk with the potential guardian in advance and confirm they are willing and able to serve, so the court is not left searching for alternatives if that person declines.

Without a clear guardian recommendation in a will, relatives may disagree over who should raise the children, forcing the court to choose with little guidance from the parents and increasing the risk of conflict and emotional strain for the family.

Protecting Your Children’s Inheritance

Having a will is one of the most effective ways for young parents to protect their children’s inheritance. In Tennessee, minors cannot legally inherit property in their own names. This means that if parents die without completing estate planning, a court must appoint someone to manage the child’s inheritance. Unfortunately, that person may not be who the parents would have chosen. 

A will lets parents stay in control by deciding in advance who will handle money for their children and under what terms. Parents can use their wills to create a contingent trust for minor children that comes into effect if both parents pass away. 

In that trust, they can: 

• Name a trusted adult (the trustee) 
• Explain exactly how funds may be used for the child’s health, education, and support
• Decide at what ages a child may receive partial or full distributions

A well-drafted trust can also add protection against creditors, future divorcing spouses, and impulsive spending when a child first becomes an adult. This helps preserve the inheritance for long-term benefit.

Deciding Who Gets What

​Having a will gives a young family real control over who receives their property and in what way after a death. Without a will, Tennessee intestacy laws automatically decide how assets are divided between a surviving spouse and children. They follow a statutory formula that may not reflect the family’s actual wishes or needs. 

These default rules do not consider: 

• Individual circumstances 
• Relationships 
• What each person may reasonably expect or depend on

By contrast, a will lets parents make specific decisions about the family home, savings, vehicles, and sentimental items, such as heirlooms, keepsakes, and personal collections. Clear instructions help avoid confusion, resentment, and conflict among loved ones at an already painful time. 

This is especially important for blended families. When there is no will, stepchildren are at particular risk of being unintentionally left out if the law controls the distribution. This is because intestacy statutes often prioritize biological or legally adopted children and a surviving spouse over step-relatives.

Making Things Easier During a Difficult Time

A will for young families simplifies an already overwhelming time by providing clear direction after a loss. It names a trusted executor who steps in to: 

• Manage the estate 
• Handle paperwork 
• Pay outstanding bills 
• Navigate the probate process

This helps to reduce delays, administrative burdens, and potential disagreements among family members.​

Parents can also coordinate their will with complementary tools like trusts or beneficiary designations on accounts, minimizing court involvement and enabling faster access to funds for daily needs such as funeral costs or childcare.​

Most importantly, having these documents in place delivers profound peace of mind, assuring young families that they have proactively protected their spouse, children, and assets no matter what happens.

Trust Johnson, Murrell & Associates to Help with Your Will

A will is not about expecting the worst—it’s about responsibly planning for the people who depend on you the most, like your spouse and young children.​ Life’s unpredictability means now is the time to act, so don’t wait until you’re older. 

Schedule a consultation with the experienced Tennessee estate planning attorneys at Johnson, Murrell & Associates. Our team has over 50 years of expertise in probate and wills, including guiding families through estate administration with compassion and precision.

Every young family needs a will to protect their future. It designates trusted guardians for your children, protects inheritances, and ensures your assets follow your wishes. A clear will also streamlines probate and minimizes stress for loved ones. Johnson, Murrell & Associates can help you create a secure, customized plan.

At Johnson, Murrell, & Associates, we understand that handling a loved one’s estate and bills after their passing is an emotional, stressful experience. Our job is to make your life easier, which means guiding you through the probate process so you understand what’s to come. To schedule a consultation, call us at 865-453-1091 or schedule an appointment.