The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh
When her son returns home after his Mom’s death, he finds more is waiting for him than just assets and debts.
Not every last will includes the nightmarish overtones of Rosalind’s — but many do. That’s why talking to an experienced attorney is recommended.
Creating a last will entails different ways to write a will. Each valid will achieves the same goals of making sure assets are divided as a person chooses instead of having someone else decide for them.
“We all have assets,” tk, a New York City-based attorney specializing in estate planning, said. “That indicates you can never be too young to start guarding your property.”
When a person dies, their assets and debts typically wind up in probate court. There, a judge rules how they will be divided. If the will is in order and uncontested, a person’s assets will be shared as spelled out in their will.
Wills aren’t just for the rich, the old or married folks. When you die, what do you want to happen to your pet? What about savings? Should accumulated fundings go to charity? Or to a relative? A will can be used to put aside funds for burial or directions on spreading the ashes.
Five things everyone should know about writing a will:
- What Goes in a Will?
A will should spell out how a person wants their assets, debts, and taxes handled after they die. The initial step is to understand what assets a person owns, such as bank accounts or investment account, vehicles and so on.
- Can Someone Write Their Own Will?
Often people can write a basic will themselves. As long as the state’s requirements are met, all the assets and debts are covered, and the end product is valid, a self-generated will should suffice. However, hiring an experienced attorney is more often the right choice.
If an individual is in a same-sex relation or controls a small business, for example, the will is likely to be contested.
- And If Someone Doesn’t Have A Will?
State laws will determine how a person’s assets are managed if they don’t have a will. The standing order in which people inherit assets is spouse, children, parents, siblings. Maybe. Each state has laws which can be vary.
- Is A Trust Needed As Well
Sometimes more than just a will is needed. This includes when a person establishes a ‘trust.’ Trusts are more complicated than wills and are normally for persons who will receive property after death. A trust must be notarized to be valid.
- Secure Digital Legacy
Social media accounts are covered by state law. Failing to provide directions on managing social media accounts can trigger headaches for loved ones. Good probate lawyers understand how to designate a digital executor as well as leave instruction for digital ‘assets.’ A free word of advice: do NOT place your social network passwords and usernames in your will. They will become a matter of public record.
