Making a will can be a daunting process, but with the help of an experienced attorney, the process can be made less daunting. There are just a few requirements to make your will legal.
The basics of making a Will
For those who want to write their own will, there are many do-it-yourself wills that you can download online. They have the standard layout of the will and are mostly like just filling out a form. You might be comforted to know that most lawyers start drafting wills using a standard form as well.
Wills rarely involve complicated legal rules. The only real requirement to make your will legal is that you have to sign your will and acknowledge it in front of two witnesses. Other than that, you can divide and distribute your property however you’d like. It is just important to be sure of all the property you own.
There are many resources online that can help you make your will for very little cost. This doesn’t mean you have to avoid consulting a lawyer altogether. Some families' wills can be complicated, so it’s always a good idea to speak to a lawyer regarding any complicated topics.
When to consult a lawyer regarding your will
Some people’s wills are more complicated than others. In some cases, it is most beneficial to consult a lawyer while making your will.
- If you have questions about your will or want to know other options for leaving your property.
- If you plan to leave a large amount of assets they may be subject to estate tax.
- If you want to make a more complex plan other than just naming people to inherit your property. For example, you may want to pass your home onto your spouse until they die, and then have it passed on to children from a previous marriage.
- If you are a small business owner and you have questions about the rights of surviving owners or your ownership share.
- If you are making arrangements for long-term care of a beneficiary.
- If you wish to disinherit your spouse.
Some people just feel more comfortable consulting a lawyer during this process. If you’d like to consult a lawyer, you can contact us here.
