A will is a written legal document that allows you to designate who receives your property after your death. It also allows you to name a person to be a guardian for your minor children in the event that no other parent survives you. You can also name a personal representative to handle your affairs after your death.
Should I Make a Will?
Every adult who has property or who has a spouse and/or children can benefit from a will, even if you don’t have many assets. You need a will if you want to determine who receives your property after your death, rather than the government deciding for you. This is particularly important in regard to minor children: if you don’t designate a guardian for your minor children, then a judge will choose one for you, which may or may not be what you would have wanted for your children.
What if I Die Without a Will?
If you die without a will, then a court will divide up and distribute your property according to a formula set by the court system. The court will also determine who will be the guardian of your minor children, and it will designate an administrator to handle your affairs.
Can I Change My Will?
You may change your will at any time or completely revoke it. To make an effective change or revocation, you must comply with specific requirements. Contact me for more details.
Can I Write My Own Will?
You may write your own will, either by hand (a holographic will) or by print, but you must comply with certain legal formalities for it to be legally effective. As just one example, you must sign a printed will in the presence of two witnesses who then sign the will themselves. If you want to be sure your will complies with all legal requirements and accomplishes what you want it to, then you might want to consult an attorney in preparing your will or hire an attorney to prepare it for you.
How Can Piccolo Law Offices Help?
I can help you draft and execute a will for a reasonable price. I will personally consult with you about what you want your will to accomplish, and then I will draft the will myself. I will provide detailed instructions about how to legally execute your will. Importantly, will packages also include a Power of Attorney and Advance Health Care Directive.
My fees are significantly lower than the fees of other law firms because I prepare only simple estate plans and also because I have a web-based law firm which greatly minimizes overhead. For a simple estate plan, you don’t need an attorney with 30 years of experience or the resources of a big law firm. You especially don’t need the going rate for an estate package, which can cost from $1,200 – $2,500 or more. With my affordable prices, you receive a quality estate plan along with the assistance of a licensed attorney every step of the way.
Contact me today to see if I can help you. If you have needs that I am not qualified to address, then I will be happy to refer you to another attorney who is more equipped to handle your needs.