A will is a very important document that will allow you to plan your future. While the future can be an overwhelming thought, a will can help to provide you with peace of mind. In fact, a will may be the most important testamentary document one can execute. It will help you develop clear instructions for your estate, relieving stress from you, your family, and friends. Read on to better understand the purpose of a will, what may be included, and how to best go about creating and changing one.
What can I include in a will?
A will allows a person to pass on assets to their heirs and loved ones. Some of these assets include bank accounts, real estate, securities, and personal belongings. You are also able to include gifts to your beneficiaries, whether it is a letter for the individual or you want to designate certain family photos to them. The assets that you include in your will to be passed on do not have to be anything of significant value. There is a common misconception that only individuals of a high net worth with many assets need to have a will, but this is simply not the case. Everyone should be sure to prepare for the future by creating a will. Additionally, you should not include funeral wishes in your will because the settling of the estate usually does not happen until after the funeral. However, with the help of an experienced estate planning attorney, you can take measures to ensure that your loved ones are aware of any specific funeral wishes that you may have.
Can I make changes to my will over time?
Many people wonder whether or not they are able to modify their will over the years as their relationships and asset portfolio evolves. To accommodate these changes, you are able to update your will. Things change over time and we understand that. The best way to make changes to your will is to reach out to an attorney for a revision. Some of the circumstances that may require you to make changes to your will include the following:
- Getting married
- Having a child
- Getting divorced
- Losing a loved one that was included in the original will
- Gaining or losing a significant asset
Contact a California Estate Planning Attorney
At The Law Offices of Yacoba Ann Feldman, we understand the importance of planning ahead. We are here to provide you with information, resources, and services regarding your estate. We want to help design a plan that fits your specific goals and needs. To schedule a consultation, please contact The Law Offices of Yacoba Ann Feldman.
To ensure that your estate plan meets your needs, achieves your goals and protects your assets, work with a skilled estate planning attorney like the ones at the Law Offices of Yacoba Ann Feldman.
