Writing Your Will
No one wants to think about what happens after they pass away, but it’s important to do so. In order to ensure your will is carried out to your liking, you must draft it the way you want. One of the best options to ensuring it’s done correctly, is to begin writing your will with an attorney. Here’s why.
Will
A will is a legal document used to dictate what happens to your property and assets after you pass away. If you do not have a document created, the state will decide for you. In other words, your family or preferred beneficiaries could not get anything. A lawyer can help you prepare your will correctly in case something happens.
Steps of Drafting A Will
The first step in drafting a will is to make a record or inventory of your assets and properties. You want to be as thorough as possible when creating this legal document. The more detailed you are, the better. The two main categories include real property and personal property. Real property is land you own, your home, or anything attached that’s immovable like buildings, ponds, and roads. Personal property encompasses everything else. It typically includes things like vehicles, clothing, jewelry, household items, machinery, financial assets, bank accounts, and more. Also, you need to include any digital assets you own as well. This includes what you want to do with social media accounts, online banking, websites, portfolios, and more. For a more in-depth list of online assets, check out our blog on digital wills here.
What’s Next?
After you have drafted a will, you should choose an executor next. This person will take charge on dividing your assets. They ensure the right people receive your intended gifts. The probate court typically assists your executor during this time. You also have the option of choosing your attorney to help with executing your will. Remeber, you must have everything detailed so the courts and your executor know how to divide your estate.
To learn more about writing your will with an attorney, contact Slaughter Law Firm. At Slaughter Law, our attorney has over 21 years of experience in various areas of law, including wills and testaments. If you would like to schedule an appointment with him visit us online here. You can also call us at (423) 844-0560 today!