It is extremely important for you to learn about the best way to write a will–for you and your family’s sake. We understand that sometimes, the process of writing a will may seem either daunting, overwhelming, or even just too dreary. However, with a bit of self-education and an experienced attorney by your side, the process does not have to be a painful one. Here are some tips on how to efficiently and effectively write your will:
How do I begin writing my will?
One of the first things you will need to do is decide who will draw up your will. While you do have options, you should understand it is usually in your best interest to hire an attorney who will help ensure you are doing everything correctly. If you choose to write your will on your own, there are several kits available for you to choose from. However, by doing so, you are opening yourself up to the many potential legal pitfalls that may come along with writing your will alone. Even a simple misphrase may count as an error and cause unwanted discrepancies. It is also of the utmost importance that you choose your executors carefully. Your executor will handle your estate matters after your death, in accordance with your wishes. You need to ensure your executor is someone you can trust because you are depending on them to carry out your last wishes honestly and faithfully. This is why people generally appoint their spouses or children as executors.
What is a guardian?
If you are the last living parent and have a child 18 years or younger, you may want to think about appointing a guardian in your lifetime. If you do not, then the court may appoint one on their own at the time of your death. As a parent, you would most likely want to ensure your child would be left with a responsible adult that you trust, so it is important you choose a guardian in the event of an untimely death.
What is a trustee?
Essentially, a trustee is someone you appoint to manage your finances at the time of your death if you are the last living parent of a child under the age of 18. The trustee will manage your investments, money, and property until your child is of age to take control of the finances him or herself. You must also carefully select who you appoint as a trustee. If you have any other questions about the will-writing process, hiring an attorney may be your best bet.
Contact our California law firm
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.
