A will is an important document to have for a variety of reasons, and anyone with any possessions should have one. However, there are a few things you should know about a will. The following are a three of them.
You should hire an attorney
It is usually a good idea to get assistance from an attorney, so the will is drawn up according to state law. Although it is true that you don’t need an attorney, without the advice from one, you are likely to make mistakes, and this can lead to a will being ruled invalid. One of the important aspects of having a will is to avoid conflicts between your heirs. If the will is unclear, it can be challenged in court. A will drawn up by an attorney is likely to hold up to legal scrutiny.
The important aspects of a will
Like many people, you may think a will is simply a matter of writing down all of your possessions and then naming the person or persons who will receive the items. This is an important part of a will, but a will consists of other things as well. You must also name an executor of the will. This is the person who will settle your outstanding debts at the time of your death and distribute your assets according to your wishes. You will need a witness to the will, and naturally, all wills need to be signed and dated. You need to store your will in a safe place, and make sure your executor knows where it is in the event of your death. Some jurisdictions allow you to file it with the court.
The laws vary from state to state
This is another reason to get an attorney. For example, in the state of Texas, there are minimum requirements for the executor, including that he or she isn’t an ex-felon. You need to have two witnesses to your will, and they cannot be people who will inherit anything in your will. Texas also allows you to draw up a will on the Internet. Texas Wills Online are easy to do because the software allows you to simply fill in the information, and then the will is formatted per state law. It is simply a matter of signing it and finding a place to store it.
If you don’t have a will, you should create one as soon as possible. You can use an attorney such as the Carole Callaghan Law Firm or use an online service from a law firm.