Writing a will is all about being prepared. In order to be best prepared, creating an estate plan with your trusted attorney is a concrete step in protecting the future of your estate. Reach out to your Pennsylvania will attorney today to get started.
Is writing a will for myself necessary?
When it comes to an estate planning process, writing a will is one of the most important steps. The purpose of a will is to clearly outline how the estate, as well as any assets, will be distributed amongst the beneficiaries. The will pre-determines this distribution upon their passing. Without writing a will, the estate and assets will be risked of being improperly distributed. It can also lengthen the amount of time taken in court to complete the process which will also include added expenses. A person passing without writing a will also risks their assets being distributed to persons who they would have otherwise not included in receiving said assets.
What can I include in my will?
You may appoint an executor to your will, which is a person who will ensure that your assets are distributed the way you intend. Executors are typically children or spouses, though some choose to appoint a non-family member. Writing a will can also include specific instructions regarding the distribution of your various assets as well as your estate.
Why do I need a Pennsylvania Will Attorney to write a will?
The fact of the matter is that an attorney has important knowledge of estate planning that is crucial in creating a valid and pitfall-free will. Hiring an attorney to assist you in writing your will is a preferred method because it prevents you from potential loss. The specific wording of your will is very important. This is why it should be trusted to be drafted by an attorney that understands the potential legal pitfalls that are possible in a legal document as important as your will. A simple misphrasing found in your will has the potential to change the outcome entirely.
How can I be sure a will is valid?
To be sure that your will is valid, there are a few requirements by Pennsylvania state law that you will need to abide by. These requirements include the following:
- The testator or the person willing to write the will must be 18 years or older
- The testator must be mentally competent when creating his/her will
- The testator must declare his/her will in the presence of two witnesses
- These two witnesses must also sign the will in the testator’s presence
Contact an Experienced Pennsylvania Will Attorney
Friedman Schuman provides legal services to clients in Pennsylvania for all their estate administration and estate planning needs. Estate planning can be complex, demanding the need for a knowledgeable legal professional. Contact Friedman Schuman for a consultation to discuss your legal needs.
