A Wills Attorney Can Prevent Family Chaos

While a handwritten or holographic testament is still legally binding, there are many mistakes that can be made, resulting in improperly executed wishes and angry family members. Hiring a wills attorney to oversee the drafting and updating of your final testament is an investment for the security of your loved ones. Not only will it take the confusion out of the process, but a lawyer can provide advice and make sure that your final wishes are not only legally binding, but will be carried out. If you still aren't sure that you need professional assistance, here are some of the most common mistakes.

In all states except for Louisiana, it is possible to disinherit your children. As cold as it may seem to some, bad feelings or personal differences may result in a parent wishing to leave a child nothing of their own once they pass. Often times the reasons for this are deeply emotional and very important to the deceased party, but in order to ensure that their wish is observed, it must be explicitly stated. Choosing to disinherit a child, spouse, or other close family member, especially in states with strict guidelines, should be overseen by a wills attorney. A clear and unambiguous disinheritance can make certain that there will be no messy arguments amongst beneficiaries.

Understanding the value of your estate is an important factor during the drafting process. A wills attorney can help you estimate and confirm the worth of any personal items such as antiques and jewelry, as well as how interest and other factors will affect trust funds and their contents. If you fail to accurately judge the current as well as future value of your assets, you will end up with bitter family members and beneficiaries, such as children, without enough finances for their future. Spreading out assets over the family (such as providing trusts to legal guardians or a spouse, as well as funds directly to surviving children) can better insulate against poor financial judgments and provide in the case of emergencies.

While you won't be able to account for every small change in your estate throughout your lifetime, keeping inventory up to date and making changes as necessary is important. Few people will find the time to revalue and make alterations, which is where a wills attorney can be invaluable. If you suffer a great financial loss or are fortunate enough for a surprise windfall, you can simply contact your lawyer to make the needed changes. Estate tax laws are also constantly fluctuating: another reason why hiring a wills attorney will be a boon.

Some family members may grow sentimentally attached to certain items that have otherwise little value. Photo albums, furniture, paintings, and household goods can become battlegrounds for spurned loved ones. While it is not only unreasonable but a waste of time to list every item in your home in a testament, it is important to discuss expectations with your beneficiaries to avoid breaking apart your family after your demise.