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Home » Estate Planning » Who Is Competent to Create a Last Will?

Who Is Competent to Create a Last Will?

February 19, 2015 by John Potter

Who Is Competent to Create a Last Will?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.

 

 

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John Potter
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Filed Under: Estate Planning

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Overall The Potter Firm was very professional. They took what could of been a very complicated process and were able to break it down so it was a lot easier to understand. We are confident we now have made the right decisions in our estate planning. Good firm to work with.

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John Potter has been a real pleasure to work with. He is very knowledgeable and explains things in a very simplistic manner so the average person can understand how/why the laws are written. He is very attentive and asks questions in such a way that not only helps him understand your goals, but also helps you think about what type of goals and expectations you should be considering. Exemplary client service.

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My husband and I selected Ms. Potter to assist with our small business. She responsive and attentive every time I have a question or need assistance, and is extremely knowledgeable and able to answer any legal question I have had. I know I can count on Ms. Potter for all of my business legal needs and I would highly recommend her to anyone needing legal assistance with such.

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