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A will is a legal mechanism that allows you to retain control of your property after you die, specifying your wishes regarding your assets. If your will is valid, your relatives and the court are bound to follow your instructions, but if you should die without one, your wishes are not legally enforceable. Pater, Pater & Halverson Co., a highly respected law firm in Hamilton, OH, explains the importance of planning ahead to ensure that your assets are distributed the way you intend.

Many people believe that when someone dies without a will, their family will decide who inherits your belongings. However, the absence of a will means that, in most cases, the court gets involved, and has final say over what portion of your estate each person receives. Statutes governing these decisions, called intestacy laws, vary a great deal from one state to the next, but generally your assets would be divided among your spouse and your children. If you do not have kids, the court will select another relative to inherit your estate.

Making a will is a simple process, and they can be amended at any time. In fact, many experts recommend periodically examining your will to make sure it still reflects your wishes and living situation, especially after events like marriage and divorce.

Don’t leave the fate of your assets and your loved ones in the hands of the courts. Visit the estate planning experts at Pater, Pater & Halverson Co. online to learn more about how they can help you, or just call (513) 867-1411 to schedule a consultation.

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