Virginia Estate Lawyers
A will is one of the most important documents you can create, but if you’re like most people, you probably feel a little overwhelmed at the thought of making one. Many of our clients feel anxious when they begin thinking about everything they’ll have to take into consideration for a will.
At our firm, we want you to know that you don’t have to go through the will creation process on your own. We have been helping families throughout the region when they need guidance with estate planning.
Creating a Will
A will is a very simple but important estate planning document. It allows an individual to state the assets they wish to transfer upon their death, and the beneficiaries who will receive those assets. The individual can also name an executor of the will; this person is in charge of dispersing assets to the correct beneficiary upon the decedent’s passing. A will can also allow parents to name guardians if they have minor children.
Beneficiaries do not need to be close relatives and the assets named in a will do not have to be worth a certain monetary value. Many individuals choose to leave assets to nonprofit organizations in their wills, and this is perfectly valid.
Amending a Will
It’s a good idea to revisit your will regularly after you’ve made it. Many wills lawyers suggest reviewing your will after any major life events, such as the birth of a child or the death of a family member. Errors or problems on a decedent’s will, such as a named beneficiary who has also passed away, could lead several issues when the will goes through probate. Perhaps more importantly, however, you’ll want to make sure that your final wishes are clearly stated and that you can care for your loved ones even after you’re gone.
If you decide you want to make changes to a will, you can add on these changes to an existing will or you can create a new document. A wills lawyer can discuss these two options with you and decide which option is better for your situation.
Talking to a Wills Lawyer
Even if you only have a small amount of property, creating a will is still recommended. It’s not legally required to hire a lawyer when you’re creating a will — but it’s a good idea to consult with one, just to be on the safe side. We want our clients to feel comfortable and confident when outlining their final wishes. We help our clients prioritize their goals and create estate plans that account for current and future wishes. If you find that a will cannot accomplish everything you want to plan for, a wills lawyer from our team may help you choose which documents best suit your needs.
For more information about creating a will, contact our law firm today. In the event that you need an attorney, like a wills and trusts lawyer Scottsdale, AZ trusts, do not hesitate to contact one to make sure you are in the best position to tackle your case.
Thank you to Arizona Estate Planning Attorneys for providing their insight and authoring this piece on wills.