When you think about the legal document called a last will, you may assume that it is a very simple document. You jot down your final wishes regarding the desired distribution of your property, you set aside the document for safe keeping, and that’s the end of it.
It can seem as though anyone can create a valid last will, and in fact, someone who is not an attorney could indeed create a last will that is valid in the eyes of the law. To create a valid will, you must be a legal adult, and you must be mentally competent.
In addition to the above, there can be no coercion, there can be no fraud, and there can be no intimidation.
We have offices in the states of North Carolina and Kentucky. In these states, generally in order for a will to be valid, two people must witness the signing of the will, and they must also sign the document.
Though it is possible for a layperson to create a last will, you may want to take pause before you decide to go it alone. The will must be admitted to probate after your passing, and the court will examine the will to determine its validity. The precise wording can be relevant, and this is something to take into consideration.
Even if you use online worksheets or downloads to create a last will, unintended consequences can come about, according to a Consumer Reports magazine study.
In addition to the above, are you sure that a last will is the right estate planning document for you? There are other options, and in many cases, a will would not be the best choice.
Transferring all of your property to your closest family members is an important act. You may want to discuss everything with a licensed estate planning attorney before you make any final decisions, because your loved ones could pay the price if mistakes are made.
Learn More About Last Wills
If you have questions about last wills, you can download our free special report on the subject. This report will provide you with a great deal of useful information, and you can get your copy quickly and easily through this website.
To access your copy of the special report, visit this page and follow the simple instructions: Free Report on Last Wills.
Take Direct Action
We would be glad to discuss your estate planning objectives with you in person. At the consultation we will become apprised of your situation, learn about your objectives, and present your options to you. If you decide to go forward, you can walk away with a custom crafted estate plan that ideally suits your needs.
To set up a free consultation, send us a message through our contact page: Charlotte NC Estate Planning Attorney.
John’s practice focuses on the use of Wills and Living Trusts in Estate Planning to help individuals protect their families and preserve their legacies after their deaths, but his practice also focuses on the critical issues of protecting individuals with dementia or other diminished capacity, assisting individuals in qualifying for Medicaid and other government benefits to offset the costs of long-term care, and providing special needs planning.
John is admitted to practice law in North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Ohio, and he is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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