Wills are documents which set forth how a person's property is to be distributed upon their death.  A will also allows a person to nominate who will be in charge of handling the Estate.  Estate lawyer Robert A. Schwartz, in Rochester, NY, helps clients draft wills that express their wishes. He knows that well-drafted wills relieve stress and eliminate confusion for surviving family members. State inheritance laws determine who receives your property if you die without a will. Here are some things you need to know before writing your will.

For a will to be valid under New York law, two people must be witnesses to it and sign it. Wills do not need to be notarized. People who are named in wills to inherit or distribute property should not be used as witnesses.

When people write their wills, they can name individuals as executors. An executor is responsible for carrying out the terms of the will and filing reports with the Surrogate’s Court. The Executor is responsible for selling property as required, paying the decedents funeral expenses and debts, and filing the decedent's last tax return.  Successor executors can be named to replace individuals named as executors who are unable or unwilling to serve.

Estate lawyer Robert A. Schwartz counsels and represents individuals who want to write their wills, as well as people who serve as executors and estate administrators. His depth of experience in drafting wills and handling estates provide peace of mind to his clients and to their loved ones when the time comes for probate.

When you are ready to make a will or discuss your estate plans, contact Attorney Robert A. Schwartz, in Rochester, NY. Call (585) 334-4270 to schedule a consultation, or visit his website to learn more about his practice areas.