A Guide on Wills and Estate Planning

One of the most important decisions you will make while alive is writing a will. A will ensures that your property is divided as you wish once you die. Besides this, below are a few benefits of having a will:

  • If you have minor children, you get to decide who will take care of them once you die. You can create trusts to ensure their inheritance is in good hands before they come of age.
  • You have an opportunity to decide who will act as executor. The executor winds up your estate before it is divided among the beneficiaries.
  • A written will ensures that your family does not have to go through the lengthy probate process.
  • In a will, you can state what you want to happen if you are incapacitated due to illness. For instance, some people choose to die rather than being put on life support machines.

A wills and estate lawyer is a lawyer specialising in the creation and execution of wills. Below are a few reasons why you should engage the lawyer when writing a will:

  • A wills and estates attorney will ensure that your will is legally binding.
  • The lawyer can advise on the creation of trusts to safeguard your children's interests.
  • As your situation changes, you would want to update your will. For instance, you may have a newborn baby that you want to be included in the will.
  • Once you die, the lawyer will advise your beneficiaries on the due process before they can inherit your property. His or her input may help prevent family conflict during the probate process.

If you would want to hire a wills and estate lawyer, below are some considerations to make:

  • The lawyer should have sufficient experience in wills and estate planning. If you have a vast estate, a law firm is better suited to handle your affairs as they have the human resources required to deal with the paperwork.
  • Costs are an important factor. Besides, you do not want a significant portion of your estate to go into legal fees.
  • Look for a lawyer whom you can trust. Remember that you may find yourself giving the lawyer a lot of personal information to justify your decisions. While this is not mandatory, it does happen.
  • Look for a lawyer with a high degree of professionalism. Membership of a professional organisation is an added advantage. 

A will is an essential document as it ensures your wishes are observed once you die. It is critical to engage the services of a wills and estate lawyer as you write your will. 


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