A will is one of the most important legal documents you will ever draft. As such, it’s essential to do it right. Although your financial situation and family dynamic are undoubtedly unique, there are a few tips everyone should keep in mind when it comes to estate planning. Since a will is the foundation of each comprehensive estate plan, it’s wise to start with this critical document. Here are just a few guidelines for outlining your will.

Do:

Plan for everything.

If you have children, the thought of someone else raising them may be gut-wrenching. While naming a guardian for your kids isn’t easy, it’s essential to do so when planning for all eventualities. Otherwise, the court will decide who ends up taking care of them if something happens—and the judge may not necessarily choose the same individual you would have.

Review it periodically.

Since your situation will inevitably change over the years, so should your will. It may be tempting to put this document away and forget about it once you’ve finished writing it, but it’s crucial to review it annually. Make sure its terms still apply; if they don’t, have an estate planning attorney help you modify it.

Don’t:

Use a simple template.

There are dozens of templates for drafting wills available online. However, none will address all the particulars of your situation. If you still want to use a template, at least have a lawyer review the completed document to ensure it addresses everything—and that it will hold up in probate court.

Put it off.

If you’re relatively young and healthy, estate planning may not be a priority. Since life is unpredictable, though, it’s never too early to draft a will. Making arrangements in advance will relieve your family of a heavy burden in case there is an unanticipated tragedy strike. And, because there's no limit to how many times you can update your will, you’ve got nothing to lose by drafting it sooner rather than later.

If you need help writing or modifying a will, turn to the estate planning attorneys at Hart Law Group. Located in Statesboro, GA, this firm offers a broad range of legal services in various practice areas. Regardless of whether you need guidance regarding probate law or criminal defense, you can count on them for personalized and attentive counsel. To request an initial consultation with an estate planning lawyer, call (912) 764-3122 or fill out the form on their website.