Don’t leave your heirs up in the air — let an experienced estate planning attorney protect your final wishes.
A Last Will and Testament is an essential document that covers a variety of end-of-life issues. Besides providing a legal foundation for bequests such as personal property, real estate, and investment assets to chosen heirs, a properly written will also makes known your personal wishes concerning the manner or structure of the transfer of your assets to your heirs, such as leaving real estate outright to a spouse or leaving money to minor children in trust.
Although many people are tempted to put off drafting their will, life’s unpredictable twists and turns often result in serious complications for the families of those left behind when the unexpected strikes. An experienced estate planning attorney can help you draft a will that ensures that your wishes are carried out and that your loved ones are provided for in the future.
The following are five reasons why you should hire an attorney when drafting a will.
A Will is a Comprehensive Document
A properly written will covers all your bases. You’ll designate an executor of your estate who will be tasked with carrying out your wishes. You will be able to specify bequeathment amounts and recipients, whether bequests should be transferred to heirs outright or in trust, and dictate custody of your minor children.
A Will is a Legally Binding Document
As a legal document, your Last Will and Testament needs to be able to meet the requirements of state law and the local probate court to be valid. A skilled attorney will be familiar with these requirements and will verify that each section of your will passes legal muster. Keep in mind that if the court should rule that your will is invalid, your property, assets, and investments will be subject to the inheritance laws of your particular state.
A Will is a Custom Document
Because each family is different, each will or set of wills is going to be different. An estate attorney will help you and your family craft a unique will or set of wills that best meets your individual needs and preferences as well as those of your heirs.
A Will Protects Your Plans
The main purpose of executing a will is to protect and preserve your wishes regarding the inheritance of your property and assets within an actionable legal context. Your attorney will have familiarity with common loopholes and will work to craft your will in such a way that it will be very difficult, if not impossible, for anyone to challenge.
A Qualified Attorney Can Help Reduce the Tax Burdens of Your Heirs
State and federal tax laws are subject to change on an ongoing basis, and those who practice estate planning law keep current on any changes in these laws. This helps reduce the likelihood that your heirs will face excess tax burdens as a result of your bequests and their inheritance.
As an added bonus, your estate attorney can serve as a trusted family friend and advisor during their period of grief after your passing. Please feel free to contact the Law Offices of Lawrence Israeloff at your convenience for more information on drafting your Last Will and Testament.
