Estate Planning Lawyer

Writing a will can be daunting. Most people want to put off thinking about and planning around their mortality. However, preparing a will that is well-written and thought out can show exactly what you hope will happen with your possessions once you have passed away. A will is a unique document that can be used to speak on your behalf after you have passed, and it can make your wishes clear if familial disputes arise. To get started on your will, there are some simple steps you can take to help you through the process and ensure it is completed the way you want it to be. Read on for more information.

1. Deciding How to Write Your Will. Many people believe that they need to hire a lawyer to walk them through the steps of creating a will to make it legal. This is not the case. Hiring a lawyer is completely up to you and your comfort level. If you would like help walking through the steps of creating a will, advice on legal jargon, or someone to go over your will to make sure you have left nothing out, a will or estate attorney could be very helpful. Otherwise, you can find different software or online DIY-wills that are reputable and can get the job done.
2. Choose Your Executor. When you pass away, the executor is someone you have entrusted to make sure your will is carried out. This can be a family or friend, or a trusted third party like a banker or attorney.
3. Selecting Your Beneficiaries. When you pass, your estate, belongings, and money need to go somewhere. Creating a will can help you determine and select exactly who you want to receive your belongings and how much they receive. This is not typically a lengthy process (it is usually going to be a spouse and your children or close family members), but it is important to make sure that whoever is selected is kept up-to-date. For example, if you get a divorce, it is important to take out your ex-spouse if you do not want them to receive anything from your will.
4. Picking a Guardian For Your Minor Kids. If your spouse is no longer alive to take care of your kids when you pass away, you will want to name a guardian for your minor children. Although you do not need to ask their permission, these should be people you trust to raise your child.
5. You Must Have Two Witnesses. When you finish your will, you need to have at least two witnesses sign the will. The witnesses you choose cannot be people who stand to get anything from your will and they must be at years or older. Witnesses can also be useful after you have passed away to testify in court if your will is being contested.
6. Find a Safe Space for your Will. Keep your will in a place that is safe from the elements, secure from being stolen, but is accessible to your family once you have been gone to ensure a speedy process after your passing.

What Next?

Writing a will can sometimes be confusing, but following the steps above can help you get the process started right. If you have any further questions about writing a will, get in touch with a wills lawyer St. Peters, Missouri right away.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Legacy Law Center for their insight into estate planning and writing a will.