Lawyers provide a range of legal services to help defend or pursue individuals for crimes. However, law firms also focus on other areas of the law such as child custody, adoption, divorce, and will creation. To help you gain a better understanding of what kind of lawyer you need for writing your will, the following information may be helpful to you.
Are Lawyers Necessary to Write a Will?
Generally speaking, you have two options to create a will: hire a lawyer or do it yourself. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Your choice will largely depend on what kind of circumstances you’re in.
Advantages of Writing Your Will
One of the greatest advantages of writing your own will is the money you’ll save when you do not need to hire an attorney. The services of a lawyer often costs around a few hundred dollars to draft your will. Don’t assume that writing your own will is free, though. Writing it yourself can cost anywhere from $10 to $250, or more. But, assuming that your assets are very simple and you comply with your state laws, you should be able to write your will without the help of a lawyer.
Advantages of Hiring a Lawyer to Write Your Will
Hiring a lawyer can help make writing your will easier and give you peace of mind knowing you have a certified professional working hand-in-hand with you. Not to mention, a lawyer will be familiar with the state’s probate laws. They can also help you write a will or estate plan that will offer your heirs the best tax advantages.
Estate Planning
Estate planning is a legal area that focuses on the management and distribution of your assets after death. Attorneys who practice estate planning can offer advice on wills, trusts, and powers of attorney in regards to your wishes for health care actions before and after your passing.
Responsibilities
Because your will must meet the legal requirements dictated by your state, you should consult a lawyer who holds a license in the state in which you live. It’s your attorney’s responsibility to abide by the state’s laws as well as give honest and accurate legal advice.
Considerations
Before you begin working on your will, make sure you get a written contract from the lawyer, like a Scottsdale estate planning attorney. This contract will lay out exactly what the attorney agrees to do and for what cost. Having this document can help you to avoid misunderstandings about the process.
Additionally, your attorney should make sure that your will is executed properly. They will check that all necessary documents are submitted and will use a public notary when required.
Additional Services
Lawyers who specialize in estate planning usually offer a number of personalized services for their clients. They will likely ask you certain questions to compile the necessary information to create your will. Your attorney will also aid you in thinking about certain issues and items that you might want to include in the final directives you give to the executor and beneficiaries of your will. Some law firms might offer to keep your will in the firm’s vault, depending on your situation and needs. They will also offer you presentation binders which hold copies of your legal documents and a list of instructions and duties for your executor.
A special thanks to our authors at Arizona Estate Planning Attorneys for their insight into estate planning and will writing.
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