Wills

Wills can also be called a “last will and testament." Typically a simple will designation leaves these items to loved ones such as minor children, adult children, a surviving spouse, or other family.

However, there can be complicated issues with passing your belongings along. Typical issues include going to probate court, challenges to your will, or your assets being sold to cover debts.

The section below provides helpful links to relevant topics:

What To Know About A Will

You can avoid issues by understanding what a last will and testament can do.

It can be helpful to know:

• How to prepare a will (including using DIY forms to create a legal will from home)
• Legal requirements to amend or revoke an existing will
• Benefits and limitations of wills
• Overview of inheritance law
• Information about challenging a will
• The difference between wills and living wills or health care directives
• Important factors for married couples to consider
• Estate tax laws to minimize the taxes that you and/or your heirs pay

You will also have the choice to name someone as the executor of your will (sometimes called a personal representative).

You can also give someone “power of attorney" to help you make decisions if you are unable to. Creating a will can feel time-consuming and intimidating at first, but remember that you have resources to help you.

The Basics of a Last Will and Testament

Wills are perhaps the most common and well-known form of an estate plan. A valid will allows a person to designate how their estate is distributed and otherwise managed upon their death.

In most circumstances, a person who creates a will (testator) can feel secure knowing that the will's instructions will be honored. On the other hand, a person who passes away without a will (called intestacy) doesn't have this security.

Not having a will runs the risk of a court or other estate administrator making decisions that do not reflect your wishes and intentions. Unfortunately, the failure to create a will can lead to disputes between family members, expensive lawsuits, intestate succession, and ruining relationships.

Choosing Someone To Carry Out Your Will's Instructions

One of the most important decisions when creating a will is deciding on a competent and trusted fiduciary, called an executor. This person is also often called a personal representative.

This is the person that will carry out the instructions or requests contained in your will. Of course, you'll also need to create a list of "devisees" or beneficiaries. While a beneficiary can be an executor, they can also be a friend, family member, or professional that doesn't benefit from your will. However, it is most common for an executor to also be a beneficiary.

What Makes a New Will Legally Valid?

Estate planning laws vary by state, so it's best to consult with an attorney if you have specific questions about your state's laws.

Generally speaking, a person must have been of "sound mind" when they created the will. This means they:

1. Understood the effects and consequences of the will, and
2. Weren't coerced or otherwise manipulated into signing it.

Typically, at least one witness is required to verify the will at execution. It's best if this person is someone who won't benefit from the will. In some states, a will can also include a self-proving affidavit which ensures that the executor will not have to provide additional evidence to prove that the will is valid.

Although wills are usually made in writing, oral wills can be valid, and recently, digital or electronic wills have been upheld in some courts. A handwritten will (called a “holographic will" can be valid in some states, but typically wills are typed documents based on a template for your state. If you ever wish to make changes to your will, codicils can be used to document those changes. In most states, codicils must go through the same execution process as the will.

Limitations When Creating a Will

A will cannot violate state or other laws. As an example, a person cannot ignore a state's community property marriage laws. You could write your will claiming your spouse is not entitled to any property. However, a community property state will still leave your spouse any legal “community" property from the marriage.

Also, note that some states have passed heirship laws. These may require children to be listed as heirs in a decedent's will. A will that breaches heirship laws will likely not stand up in court, and the decedent (person who passed away) may be considered intestate (dying without a valid will).

How an Attorney Can Help

An estate planning lawyer can answer your questions about wills and other estate plans. They can also explain applicable estate laws to you and help you to create a will that fits your needs and reflects your intentions. You should consult with an experienced estate planning attorney in your area or consider a DIY will form if you have a simple estate.