Wills

Here are some things to consider doing. Some items may not be applicable to you.

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• It’s important to have a will to:
  • Save estate taxes
  • Distribute your assets the way you desire
  • Create trusts for spouse and other beneficiaries
  • Appoint guardians for your children
  • Reduce legal expenses and hassles for your heirs after your death
• Have will typewritten – most states don’t recognize handwritten (holographic) wills

Before seeing a lawyer:

Review book(s) and/or software about wills before meeting with estate planning attorneys to reduce the time (and therefore expense) you’ll need to spend with the lawyer. During these discussions, you need to determine who gets what and who the executor will be. If you also need help settling an estate with a will, you may contact a probate attorney.

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