A will is a legal document that details how you want your assets and property to be distributed after you die. It also allows you to name someone to take care of your children if you die before they turn 18 or 21, and can be a crucial part of a sound estate plan.
Does a lawyer make a will?
A lawyer will write a will for you, or create one from scratch, depending on your situation. The process can be time-consuming, but it’s a necessary component of any sound estate plan and can be a great way to ensure that your wishes are carried out after you’re gone.
How to Make a Will Without a Lawyer
The answer is no, you don’t need a lawyer to make a will, but they can be a valuable asset. For instance, if you’ve got complex issues that need to be addressed, a lawyer will be able to identify those problems and help you address them in your will or estate plan.
Writing a will can be tricky, so it’s important to have some understanding of the legal jargon that surrounds them and to use a lawyer who specializes in wills and estates. You can find a will lawyer at many law firms, or you can research online to see which companies offer will-writing services.
Doing it yourself isn’t difficult, but you may need to follow certain guidelines. For example, you need to be an adult and have testamentary capacity (meaning that you are mentally able to understand the full meaning of your will). You should also have witnesses, and those witnesses should sign a witness affidavit. Recommended this site truck accident lawyers
What to look for when choosing an online will service
There are a number of websites that allow you to make your own will, but not all of them are reputable. You should select a service that offers state-specific, attorneybuilt documents and that is reviewed by a professional attorney to make sure that the documents are valid.
Some companies offer additional perks, like sending the documents to you or making future changes easier. While these are nice, they can add to the cost of the service, so you should consider them carefully before deciding which company to work with.
Several states allow holographic wills, which means that the testator can write their will in their own handwriting. This can be helpful if you have a lot of paper that you want to include in your will, but it’s still important to ensure that your document is signed and dated.
If you choose to write a will yourself, remember that even the best-written document is subject to legal challenges. If you make a mistake, it could end up being invalid, which can have devastating effects on your family’s estate when you die.
You should also make sure that you have a good understanding of your financial situation, including how much money you have and where it is buried, so that you can be sure to leave your estate in the way that you intend. You should also know if you have any special considerations, such as children with special needs or an inheritance that will be subject to taxation.
