Preparing Your Will In Five Steps

by | Feb 19, 2013 | Law

Latest Articles

Categories

Tags

Archives

Making a plan for how your estate ought to be distributed after you death can make things much easier on your heirs. Even if you don’t have the slightest idea how to begin writing your will, don’t worry. Preparing wills in Mansfield, Ohio is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a legally binding will ready in no time.

Start with a plan
Before you write anything, start with a general plan of what you want to accomplish with your will. Decide who you want to have your assets, whether you want to make any charitable donations out of your estate, and whether you need to make any provisions for minor children or dependents in your will. Failure to have a plan may lead to your assets being distributed according to the laws of the state in which you live, meaning that they could end up in some unexpected places.

List your assets
Make a list of all your major assets and who each one should go to. Assets can be money, possessions, property, or life insurance payouts. This section can be general or specific, but it ought to at least account for all the major parts of your estate.

Name an executor
Wills in Mansfield Ohio need to have an executor who will make sure that they are carried out. Most individuals with a living spouse name him or her as the executor. If you are a widow or widower or were never married, you may want to name one of your adult children or another close relative as your executor. In a pinch, you can also name the lawyer who helped you prepare the will as executor of your estate.

Consult an attorney
With a little research, almost anyone can write and prepare his or her own will. However, if you have a sizable estate then you will probably want to consult an attorney who deals with wills and trusts. He or she will be able to make sure that all the wording in your will can hold up in court and your wishes will be respected.

Leave additional information
You may want to include an additional letter with your will that conveys any important information that isn’t included in your will. Make sure to list the locations of important documents, bank account numbers, and the combinations to safes and safety deposit boxes in your name. This letter is also a good place to discus funeral arrangements if you choose.

If you are searching for a reliable law services for wills in Mansfield, Ohio. Get in touch with AlerStallings Law Firm.

Similar Posts