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Every adult of legal age, regardless of income, number of assets owned, or health status, should have a will in place. While it may be tempting to put off this important step until later in life, taking care of it now will protect your loved ones in the event of your death. And what's more: making a will is a relatively easy and straightforward process. Learn more about this process below, with some answers to common questions about writing a will.

Answers to Common Questions About Making a Will

Why do I need a will?

When a person dies without a will, probate courts determine what happens to their assets. Typically, the courts base their decisions on state intestacy laws, which follow a next-of-kin line of succession. These decisions may not be what you would have wanted.

A person who doesn't leave a will runs the risk of seeing all they've worked for going to relatives with whom they might have little relationship or contact. By leaving a will, you are ensuring your wishes are followed.

What should I include in my will?

A standard will includes all assets and property owned by the testator and beneficiary designations for each item. Beneficiaries are the individuals to whom you want to leave items from your estate.

If you have minor children, you should appoint a guardian for them in the will. Many people also include guardianship designations for their pets.

Do I need a lawyer to write a will?

While you don't legally need a lawyer to write a will, hiring one to help in the process is always a good idea. A lawyer will make certain that the arrangements are legally sound; that the documents are drawn up in clear, professional language; and that that all aspects of your estate are included and accounted for.

willA lawyer is especially important if you have a more complex estate that deals with a large amount of wealth, complicated family relationships, or assets located in different states or countries.

How do I change a will?

A will should be revisited and revised with every major life event, such as marriage, divorce, birth, death, and significant changes to income or assets.

In most cases, you can add a codicil to a will to amend its terms without having to write a whole new document. Your lawyer can usually write up a codicil quickly and easily, making amendments and revisions a snap.

 

When you need assistance writing a will, trust the attorneys at Pater, Pater & Halverson. For more than 100 years, they have been representing clients throughout the Hamilton, OH, area. They offer services in estate planning, personal injuries, criminal law matters, and other legal issues. Call (513) 867-1411 or visit their website to schedule a consultation.

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