Create a Will
Do you currently have a last will and testament in place? A surprising number of people don’t have a valid, up to date will, which can leave their families in a tight spot should the estate holder die unexpectedly.
Because wills are so crucial, our attorneys at Walk-In Wills urge residents of Chandler, AZ to create the document as soon as possible. We also encourage people to reach out to us for assistance with estate planning, as we offer the benefit of more than 20 years of legal experience.
Important Steps When Creating a Will
Each person’s situation is different, but there are a few general aspects of will creation that you must follow to ensure success:
- Write down a list of all your assets, including homes, vehicles, financial accounts, life insurance policies, retirement accounts, cryptocurrency, and other items. After creating the list, review it thoroughly to ensure all assets are included.
- Consider who you wish to serve as the executor. This person will have numerous crucial responsibilities, so it’s important to make your selection carefully.
- Name your heirs and beneficiaries, including family members, friends, co-workers, and other parties. You can also specify charities as beneficiaries if there’s a cause you feel strongly about.
- Decide how much of each asset your heirs and beneficiaries receive. This information is important, as without it the court may be forced to make a decision on your behalf.
It’s always best to receive professional legal assistance when creating a will. That way, you can rest assured that the document is valid in the eyes of the law.
Why Reviewing Your Will Is Equally Important
Wills are ever-evolving documents. That means you must make updates to your will to ensure that it continues to meet your wishes. Major life events should trigger a will, including marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a new child, a change in financial status, or the act of opening a business. You should also perform a general review every three to five years, regardless of life changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why should I create a will?
A will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and helps prevent confusion or disputes among loved ones if you pass away unexpectedly. Without a valid will, courts may decide how your estate is handled.
2. What steps are important when creating a will?
Key steps include listing all your assets (homes, accounts, insurance policies, etc.), choosing an executor to manage your estate, naming beneficiaries, and deciding what each beneficiary will receive.
3. Who should I choose as my executor?
Your executor should be someone responsible and trustworthy, as they’ll handle tasks like locating assets, paying debts, and distributing property according to your will.
4. Should I review my will after major life changes?
Yes. Wills should be updated after events like marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, changes in finances, and generally every three to five years to ensure they still reflect your wishes.
5. Do I need legal help to make a valid will?
While it’s possible to draft a will on your own, professional legal assistance can help ensure it’s legally valid, comprehensive, and tailored to your situation — reducing the risk of errors or disputes later.
What You Can Expect from Our Legal Team
Many people put off making a will because they’re intimidated by the process. That’s why our attorneys at Walk-In Wills make the process as streamlined as possible. However, we also possess extensive legal knowledge to make certain that your will offers substantial protection of your assets.
Contact Us
Contact Walk-In Wills today for help with will and trust creation, probate, long-term care planning, and other essential estate planning needs.
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