As you acquire assets and start a family, you may wonder if you should draft a will. Fortunately, this estate planning task is simpler than it may seem. In fact, you might even be able to do it without hiring an attorney. To learn more about this process, use the following do’s and don’ts.

Do:

Make clear choices for your children.

Drafting a will isn’t just a document to prepare in your old age. It can also be a precautionary measure for adults with small children who want to make arrangements for an unexpectedly sudden passing. When drafting your will, you’ll want to clearly designate a guardian for any minors that depend on you, as well as set aside funds for their new caregiver.

Make sure you have a witness.

It’s important to have at least one or two “disinterested witnesses” present when you sign your will. In other words, they are not mentioned in the will and are therefore unbiased as to its contents. Note that an attorney cannot act as a witness.

Don’t:

Assume you need an attorney to get started.

Luckily, you don’t need to spend hundreds on legal fees to complete this estate planning document. As long as you look up your state regulations and ensure that you’re in compliance with those guidelines, the document will stand up in probate court. If the cost or hassle of hiring an attorney is discouraging you from drafting your will, know that you can still effectively distribute your assets after your passing without one.

Forget to choose an executor.

The executor is the individual who oversees the reading and enactment of your will, so they should be someone you trust completely. For example, you may want to entrust this duty to a spouse or best friend. You can also give them the authority to pay off any outstanding debts using your estate once you pass.

 

 

If you’re looking for some guidance writing a will and don’t want to hire an attorney, turn to My Legal Team of Los Angeles County. This team has over 30 years of combined experience, and they’re happy to help you prepare your estate planning documents. They can even help coach individuals who would like to represent themselves in court. To learn more about their services, visit their website, or call (562) 479-0900 today.