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Can I Prevent My Will From Being Contested?

Yee Law Group Inc. > Can I Prevent My Will From Being Contested?

Will Lawyer Roseville, CA

When people experience grief, naturally their emotions will be at an all-time high. As a result, family and loved ones stand to behave irrationally. In some cases, if a family member is dissatisfied with the will you have created, it could lead them to take steps towards contesting your will. This could result in those you have left inheritances to from obtaining what is rightfully theirs. A contested will can take years before reaching a resolution. This can be problematic in that expensive legal fees may incur as a result. Here are steps to take to mitigate the risk that your will is contested after you pass away:

Create a Well Executed Will

In order to prevent your will from being contested, it’s important that you create a will that is properly executed. An estate planning lawyer is the best option for making sure that you develop a will that leaves nothing up to the imagination. They can help to ensure that the proper steps are taken to creating a validated will.

Communicate Your Wishes

Once you have created a will, it’s important that you communicate its’ contents to family members. Giving family the opportunity to hear from you what your final wishes are will make them far less likely to dispute it. Conversations with family are key. As a result, they will know what to expect. Additionally, if you plan to appoint a family member as the executor or guardian of your children, you will want to make sure that you have had conversations with them regarding their willingness to do so. The last thing you will want is to name someone who may not be up for the responsibility these roles require.

Retain a Copy of Your Will in an Accessible Location

Once you have created your will with a lawyer, obtain a copy of it for your records. Keep this document in a place that is safe and accessible. Communicate the whereabouts of your will to the executor(s) you have identified to oversee your estate. This will make it easy for them to obtain it when they need to.

Utilize an Experienced Lawyer

It’s not uncommon for people to quickly create a will online in a pinch. Not only is this service far less expensive, but it can also feel less daunting. However, utilizing this type of service does not guarantee that there won’t be problems later on. The will you created may actually not be valid, or take into account the laws within your state. Utilizing an estate planning lawyer is the best way to safeguard your estate. They can help you by:

  • Securing Tax Benefits
  • Prevent Significant Court Fees Later On
  • Ensure That Nothing is Left Out
  • Protect Your Interests
  • Creating an Estate Plan that Outlines all Aspects of Your Estate

Aside from the significant amount of time it may take before a contested will finally reach a resolution, there are additional problems that are likely to result. Family tensions will be at an all-time high, which stands to have a serious impact on relationships moving forward. No decedent wants to leave families with fractured relationships that resulted over disagreements regarding the will. Take the right steps in creating a will that leaves nothing up for argument by working with a will lawyer Roseville, CA trusts with the experience you need.

Contact Yee Law Group for their insight into estate planning and preventing a will from being contested.