Even the most well-thought-out wills can bring up points of contention when you pass away. While working with an experienced estate lawyer will help smooth over any rough disputes, you’ll still want to minimize the risk of it being contested when you’re not there to oversee the distribution of assets. 

Below are a few ways to prevent your beneficiaries from contesting your last will and testament:

Consider the Relationships Between Family Members

When drafting wills, some individuals choose to leave certain beneficiaries more than others. While this can work, it’s best to be as fair as possible with your family. It’s incredibly common for siblings to argue if one receives more inheritance than the others. If you’re considering leaving different amounts to specific family members, let an experienced estate lawyer help you draft a fair and equitable distribution.

Find an Executor

An executor helps carry out your will once you pass. While you’re free to appoint whomever you believe will be the best executor for your will, it’s best to hire an experienced estate attorney. They’ll be familiar with the laws and regulations surrounding distribution of assets, reducing the risk of disputes throughout the process.

Use a No Contest Clause

Wills that use a no contest clause cannot be contested, so they are safe from disputes. Should one of your beneficiaries decide to challenge the will, they forfeit their rights to your assets and the distribution. These clauses can be particularly useful if you know your family members have the propensity to argue.

Don’t Share Your Will

During your estate planning process, try to keep all of your documents private. This way, any distributions are unknown to your beneficiaries until you pass and your executor has the chance to meet with them. This will save you stress, and you’ll avoid conflict if you’re leaving your beneficiaries varied amounts.

Estate planning can be difficult, but with the right estate lawyer, the process is simple. Lance S. Cox, Attorney at Law in Cincinnati, OH, will help you and your family write your wills and handle your estate planning process. Learn more about the services offered online and call (513) 528-6000 to schedule a consultation today.