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Home » Estate Planning » Wills » Will Fact Sheet

Will Fact Sheet

March 28, 2011 by John Potter

There are many different estate planning documents.  A will is an important estate planning document that can help to properly plan your future.

If you want to learn more about the importance and need for a will, some information is below.  To incorporate a will into your estate planning or if you have any further questions, consult with an experienced estate planning attorney.

  • Everyone needs a will!  Everyone over the age of 18 should have a will.
  • A will can always be changed as long as you are alive and well.
  • Certain life changes may result in the need for an updated will.
  • When creating a will, an executor (or someone you trust to manage your estate) must be appointed.
  • It is important to choose a responsible and trustworthy executor.
  • A will is used as an instructional guide to distribute assets after you die.
  • Without a will, your assets may not be distributed as you had planned.
  • If a will is not executed properly, it can be challenged.
  • A will allows you to select guardians for your children if you pass away while they are still minors.
  • Drafting your own will can result in errors!  It is recommended that you consult with a professional when drafting a will.
  • It is not recommended to include funeral instructions in a will because generally funeral arrangements will occur before a will is reviewed.
  • A will should not list assets that are jointly owned.  These assets will automatically be transferred to the other owner after your death.
  • Do not list assets that have a beneficiary designation.  This includes life insurance policies and retirement accounts.

If you have any questions about the need for a will, consult with an experienced estate planning attorney.

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Filed Under: Wills Tagged With: Estate Planning, Will

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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.

DKS & KMS Client Review August 28, 2020

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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.

David J. Client Review August 28, 2020

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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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