Wills are needed to plan for someone’s estate. Once someone dies, their estate can be administered according to the wishes that they have laid out in their will. This legal document can be useful to record your wishes so that your family and friends can know what you would have wanted for your assets and possessions. In a will, an individual can name who they want to be their executor and who will be the beneficiaries of their estate. These individuals will be involved in the process, especially the executor who has more responsibilities. The deceased individual will have already said what assets they want to be distributed to their loved ones. They should plan for their valuable assets to be taken care of.
What does probate do for estate administration?
The process of probate determines the validity of a will so that the court adheres to it. For a will to be considered valid, it must be made when the individual is in a clear state of mind. They should not be coerced in any way by another individual that may benefit from their estate administration. When individuals sign the document, there will be witnesses present and the document will be notarized. This adds to the validity that the document is legal. When the individual dies, someone must file the will in the Surrogate’s Court of the country where the deceased person resided. This individual is usually the person who is named as the executor of the will. They are most often named in the will by the deceased individual to complete the tasks that are left behind. A valid will is important to determine how your estate will be administered. Without a valid will, your possessions may be under the government’s authority to disperse.
Can a trust plan for my estate?
A trust is another way that individuals can plan for their estate after they are gone. Through a trust, beneficiaries may be able to avoid the probate process, making it easier for them to receive the trust. By avoiding probate, they can gain access to the trust quicker. There are various trusts available for use that individuals can decide among. Since these trusts have different benefits, individuals can examine what will best fit their situation.
Working with an experienced estate planning attorney, such as Jaci Feldman of the Woodland Hills, California, Law Office of Yacoba Ann Feldman, will ensure that you are taken care of when you need it most. Contact The Law Offices of Yacoba Ann Feldman to schedule a consultation today.
