Wills

Have you prepared your will yet? By hearing the term will, you might think it is something for the elite class. However, start searching for lawyers that do wills near me, as you are wrong. Writing a will is essential for anyone with children and a spouse. If you have any property in your name or wish a certain person to be a guardian of your children after you, you must write a will. You will have a peaceful life by constructing an important document like a will. Thus, if you write a will, you will not be worried about your family or property matters.

Writing a will is an easy yet complicated matter. In most cases, it is a simple document prepared before witnesses. However, some legal shortcomings need to be addressed in some cases. Thus, you might need to find attorneys who specialize in wills near me. Let’s understand why finding lawyers that do wills near me is important. 

What Is Will?

Will is a legal document that specifies who will care for any minor children or your desires for property distribution. It is a part of estate planning documents, and you must write it yourself during your lifetime. Your wishes may not carry out the way you would like if your death occurred without a will. Furthermore, your heirs may expend more time, money, and emotional energy after you pass away to settle your affairs. In some cases, lack of the will can make your property a state property.

After your death, a person executes your will. Though it depends on your state laws, in some cases, you must notarize your will. You can choose the executor of the will as the testator. The executor must be mentally fit to execute a will. Thus, as a testator, you can trust anyone to execute the will. For more information about your state laws, search for wills and estate lawyers near me. 

What should you include in a Will?

A will can cover the distribution of your most important assets. But also, it can include sharing things with sentiment values, like a picture or a monument. Thus, it includes sharing your property according to your desire. You must define some beneficiaries, those who will benefit from your will. But you can also state if you want to donate some of your assets to an organization or charity. Thus, it can cover anything you want to add about the distribution of your assets. However, some important things that you must include in your will are:

• Your basic information and a sentence related to how you want to execute your will. Also, how the will is your last desire and precedes any wishes you have made. 
• The information about the executor, someone who is going to execute your will
• Defining the rights and duties of your executor. It also includes the right of management of your property. 
• Distributions of your assets and the name of any beneficiaries. If you want someone excluded from your will, you must name that too. Also, it must include your digital assets and other significant pieces, such as jewelry.
• If you have minors under your supervision, you must select a guardian too. A guardian can be any trustworthy person for you. You must have this clause in case you and your spouse leave the world simultaneously. 
• You must also discuss if you have any insurance policies or what you want to do. 

Why Do You Need a Will?

Some believe wills are only necessary for the rich or those with complicated properties. There are, however, several explanations for why everyone should have a will.

• Keep your valuables out of the hands of people you do not want to come into touch with.
• Your heirs will have faster and easier access to your estate.
• You control who gets your money. 
• You will choose who will look after your children. The courts will decide the guardian for your children if there is no will.
• You will save on your property taxes.
• You can also make gifts and charitable contributions to reduce the estate tax liability.

The Best Will Is Written and Witnessed

Create a testamentary known as a final testament to ensure your wishes are followed. The most popular type of will is when you prepare and sign a piece of paper before witnesses. It’s probably the best way to guard against successful threats to your wishes from family members or business associates after you die. You can write one yourself, but getting one signed by a trusts and estates solicitor can give you more peace of mind. For that, you might seek a will attorney near me.

Dying Without a Will

If you die without a will, the state is in charge of distributing your estate, which it normally does according to a formula that gives half of your estate to your spouse and the other half to your children. But that situation depends on your state’s rules as well. Thus, finding lawyers that do well near me can save you time and effort.

In certain situations, such a situation leads to selling the family home or other properties, which can devastate a surviving spouse who depends on most of your assets to sustain their standard of living.

If the children are adults, there could be further problems because the court will nominate a delegate to represent their interests.

Intestacy can also have tax implications because a properly planned will minimize estate tax liability. Individual properties valued at $11,700,000 or more must file a U.S. estate tax return. There is no estate tax if the estate amounts to less than that.

How Can Lawyers That Do Wills Near Me Help You?

In most cases, you can write your will without any assistance. Thus, you will need a DIY kit for writing your will. However, we recommend that you must find a will attorney near me. You can find useful information about will attorneys by searching for attorneys who specialize in wills near me. If you are thinking about how wills and estate lawyers are helpful, here are some reasons to hire a will attorney near me:

Reviewing the Will

A will attorney near me can help in reviewing my will document. Thus, they will ensure the will has all the legal aspects you must address. They can guide you throughout the process; if you miss a clause, they can help you add it. Hence, lawyers that do wills near me can help finalize the will according to the state laws.

Ensuring Your Will is Carried Out 

A will attorney near me can know all the state laws. Thus, they understand other laws like real estate law, Estate Tax, Probate, and life insurance. They can guide you about these laws and any taxes involved. Also, they can guide you if you can transfer your insurance. Lawyers who do wills near me ensure that the will executes as you wish after your death.

Will Disputes 

Most importantly, wills and estate lawyers near me ensure no disputes. Thus, they ensure all the requirements are met before finalizing a will. Some of the general rules of will are:

• The testator must be of legal age and mentally fit the right will.
• The testator must add their basic information and sign the will with the date.
• The document must start with the right title or label.
• The document must have information about the executor.
• Information about beneficiaries and their shares in the property.
• The will must be signed before the witnesses if the state requires it.

Lawyers, That Do Wills Near Me – What Does A Will Lawyer Cost?

In most cases, the cost of the will lawyer depends on the state and location. Thus, you must search for wills and estate lawyers near me to find an expert will lawyer for you. Some of the ways a will lawyer cost is billed are hourly Billing and Flat fees. Also, will lawyer’s cost depends on their experience level as well.

Will Attorney Near Me

Factors That Can Make a Will Invalid

One of the most frustrating things that can happen to your loved ones and family members is that the will you left behind isn’t valid. There is also the possibility of them not accepting the content of such a will. For your will to be secured, safe, and valid, there are certain things you must know. This section will explain some factors that can make such will invalid.

When The Will Has Been Created Without Any Witness

A will created without any witness present will not hold water. It is usually called a “holographic will” and cannot be valid when a witness hasn’t signed it. Even if it is accepted, some conditions still need to be met. Hiring a lawyer is the only recommended way to play safe while preparing your will.

Lack of Proper Witnesses

It is one thing to have a witness present while preparing your will. However, having a witness that is acceptable before the law is different. For instance, your will can be considered invalid when your chosen witness is below 18. Even if he meets the age requirement, he has to be of sound mind. Never make the mistake of using someone who is mentally challenged.

Not Being Specific

A written will is expected to have all the necessary instructions. This will help give its executor a clue on how your assets will be shared and managed over the years. For instance, you must clearly state how your assets should be shared amongst your loved ones. Although a lack of specific and clear instructions will not always render a will invalid, you will only confuse potential beneficiaries.

When There Are Alterations

This is another major reason why it will become invalid. Many people make the mistake of not updating their wills as the years go by. Some situations or variables can cause the content of a will to change, thus, considered invalid. These could be:

• Divorce
• Marriage
• Death of your spouse or a beneficiary
• Increase in the number of family members
• Financial problems such as bankruptcy
• And more

Due to factors like these, it is strongly recommended that you update your will regularly. This will ensure that it remains valid after your demise.

Testator Being Pressurized

If a testator can prove that they have been pressurized in writing a will, such will be considered invalid. It is expected that the will is prepared with an open mind. This means there will be no bias, sentiment, or pressure.

Will Attorney Near Me

Hiring a will attorney can save your heirs from potential will disputes. Thus, by hiring a will attorney near me, you can ensure your will execution takes place as you desire. If you are looking for attorneys who specialize in wills near me, you can search Attorneys Real Estate Group.

Our team has extensive experience in all estate planning areas and has consulted with clients in this field. We work hard to achieve the best possible result for our clients by considering their will disputes and ensuring their goals are met. Also, you can get a free consultation by visiting us on our website Attorneysre.com or calling us at 916-671-3138. Contact us today; we will gladly assist you in finalizing your will.