Have You written yours yet?

26 August Have You Written Your Will Yet?

Posted on 10:28h
Wills
by Phelps LaClair Law

Everyone needs a will. Whether they are 18 or 78 years old, whether they are making their way on their own or already millionaires, they all need a will. A will is not just about deciding what happens to your savings account, your house or even your comic book collection when you die. You should write your will now if you haven’t done so yet. August is National Make a Will Month, so we’re sharing a few tips to help you get started.

Eight Reasons Why You Need a WillTo appoint a legal guardian for your childrenTo appoint a caregiver for your pets

To keep your money from falling into the wrong hands

1. 1. To provide for your unmarried partner
   2. To pass down family heirlooms or collectibles
   3. To support a cause you care about
   4. To protect your digital assets and social media
   5. To give instructions on what to do with your remains
   7. With a will, you get to decide who cares for your pets or your children. You won’t have to worry that your children or pets will end up in foster care, or with someone who does not love them. A will allows you to control who inherits your assets and
   8. family items

so that they don’t end up in the wrong hands.

If your life partner is not legally married to you, you can use your will to ensure that they inherit your home or have access to your bank account, rather than letting your next-of-kin inherit these assets. If you want to leave your savings in the hands of a non-profit organization rather than your nearest relatives, a will is a great way to fulfill your wishes. You can also use your will to give instructions on how to log in to your online accounts,

social networking profiles and what you should do with them. You can also express your wishes for funeral arrangements, including whether you want to be buried or cremated. How to Make a Will Step by StepStep one: Select beneficiaries, guardians and an administrator. Your beneficiaries are the people who you want to inherit any assets, heirlooms or collections. If you have children or pets,

choosing a guardian can give you peace-of-mind knowing that someone you trust would be taking care of them if you suddenly died. You will also need to select someone to be your executor or administrator. They will ensure that your wishes are carried through. Step 2: Write your will.Start by stating the purpose and your name. List your assets, beneficiaries, guardians and

appoint a executor

and then specify your final wishes. Sign and date the document. You can use an online form as a guide, but not the final product. Laws governing wills differ greatly from state to state. Meet with a lawyer who can review your will and ensure that it is compliant with state laws. There are many rules that apply to wills.

A single mistake could invalidate your entire will. For example, there are different laws governing handwritten wills and electronic wills. You could end up disinheriting your partner if you let them witness the will

. It is best to review your will with an attorney in order to ensure that it is valid. They can witness your will and notarize it for you. They can also advise you on what

should be in your will, and what shouldn’t. A professional estate planner can also help you draft other legal documents, such as an advance directive or living trust. Get Advice from an Arizona Estate Planning Specialist At Phelps LaClair we specialize in estate planning and have been doing so for over 40 year. We know how to protect Arizona residents’ assets, privacy, and loved ones. It’s never too early or late to start. Contact us today to schedule a

free consultation.Photo by Aarya on

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used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 8/21/24. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.Photo by

Aarya on Unsplash

used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 8/21/24.

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