Estate Planning Lawyer Allentown, PA

Creating a will is something everyone should do. An appropriately crafted will helps your family deal with your property and money after you die. If done correctly, the will can also avoid unnecessary taxes and fees and help make sure your wishes are respected.  What are The Steps To Creating a Valid Will?

Estate Planning Attorney Kelly Barse

A will is something that gives your wishes to your family on how you want things split between them. You get to choose how your money and property get handled after your death. Creating a will has some necessary steps everyone should think about before getting started.

Pick an Executor

First and foremost, you need to appoint an Executor or Personal Representative for your will. Select someone you trust to fulfill your wishes and do things legally for the sake of your heirs. You can choose someone you are related to, like a sibling or adult child.  In the alternative, you can appoint an estate planning attorney or professional to be the go-to person for your will.

Decide What Property To Include

A will is a document that gives people property you own. Gifts can be large, like homes or small like jewelry. Your will can also allocate personal items. If you have something special to pass on to an heir, this is the place to do it. As long as you own it outright, you can decide who you want to inherit it.

Choose a Guardian for Dependents

Choosing an executor is essential, but providing a structure and a team to care for your minor children is even more critical. Without a plan, the courts decide who raises your children and who manages their inheritance. Minors are children who have not yet attained the age of 18.  Further, if you are an adult’s Guardian, your estate plan should include succession planning for that position.

Execute the Will

After you have made all of the decisions above, you will need to sign the will properly. Proper will “execution” doesn’t mean scribbling your name on a line. A valid will requires following specific steps. These rules vary from state-to-state.  Most states require the will signed in the presence of two witnesses. Sometimes the witnesses must be non-family members.  A notary public may not be required to be present; however, having one may help your executor efficiently file the will. Failure to properly sign a will may nullify it. A court may allow a will challenge after you’re gone.  Proper will execution is vital.

Putting the Will Aside

You may decide to give the person you chose as executor the original executed will. You may also want to keep it with an attorney. Make sure the will is safe. If your family can’t locate the original, they cannot your wishes will likely be ignored.

The Steps To Creating a Valid Will

Hopefully, this article about The Steps To Creating a Valid Will was helpful.  To learn more, follow this link to read my Article, Estate Planning, Everything You Need to Know.

Asking for help from an estate planning lawyer in Allentown, PA from Klenk Law may be a good idea if this is your first time drafting a will. You do not want to take any chances when your family’s future is on the line.  Call and set up a free consultation!