Estate planning can be stressful. As a result, many people put it off for as long as possible. This is a bad idea, as your life can change at any moment and it is important to be prepared for anything. Read on to learn more about the best time to create an estate plan in California.
What makes a will valid in California?
A will is an incredibly important legal document. As a result, it is important to ensure that your will meets all the necessary requirements:
- The testator must be at least 18 years old
- The will must be handwritten, dated, and signed by the testator
- California Probate Law requires two witnesses to be present at the time of the signing
- Both witnesses must sign an affidavit acknowledging the testator’s mental capacity
At what age should I create a will?
As stated above, you must be at least 18 years old to create a will. Those 18 or older who own any property can create a will. It is a good idea to start planning as early as possible. This will remove the burden of estate planning in high-pressure situations. For example, if you already have an estate plan set up, you can simply update it over the years, rather than scrambling to get your affairs in order when necessary.
What other documents should I create?
Many young people have pets. As a result, you may want to create a pet trust. This would allow you to name a caretaker for your pet and put aside funds for vet bills and food. Additionally, many young adults have digital assets. This may include financial accounts, digital collections, and more. It is important to plan for the assets, as you would with your hard-copy assets. You may also wish to create an advance healthcare directive. Among other things, this will allow you to state your healthcare wishes. Unfortunately, an illness or accident can occur at any age for any reason and it is important to be prepared. An estate plan can help you feel secure going into the future.
If you wish to begin the estate planning process, our firm is here to help. We will work to create a cohesive and comprehensive estate plan. Reach out today to begin the process.
Contact our Firm
Estate planning is a more urgent matter than you may think. You never know what the future holds. Contact The Law Offices of Yacoba Ann Feldman to schedule a consultation today.
