Would you believe that more than 50% of Americans do not have a last will and testament. Your will is the most important legal document that you can prepare. Having a will upon your death means that your estate will not have to go through probate and be subject to delays, a judge’s ruling and legal fees. Your will is your opportunity to designate to whom you want to leave your property, appoint an executor to take care of your business after you’re gone, and appoint a guardian for minor children and pets.
If you have a large or complicated estate, contacting an attorney to help you prepare your will is advised.
If you are an adult and of sound mind, it is very easy to prepare a will on your own. Here are the steps:
First of all review the laws pertaining to your state where you reside.
Select the form that you will use. The American Red Cross offers a free will making service that is state specific. The website will prompt you to enter your information and it will create a will for you. Seriously, in 20 to 30 minutes you will have a will prepared for $0 dollars, unless you chose to donate to the American Red Cross. There are also many online legal sites, such as NOLO, eforms or LegalZoom, that in the same way will create a last will and testament for you. On these sites, there are additional options for more advanced packages and the services range from $100 to $200. Some of these sites have free trials for seven days, which could be canceled before your credit card is charged.
Save and print your prepared document.
Sign your document before two witnesses who will also sign. Make sure you follow the detailed instructions on what to do to make the document legal in your state.
Store your will in a fire safe, filing system or waterproof file box where you keep your other important legal documents. Let your next of kin and/or executer know where you are storing your documents.
Please get your will completed TODAY. Do not delay. Even if you think you should consult an attorney and you schedule an appointment for next month… you can still do a will today and then shred it when you have another will to replace it. Maybe you think that you don’t have much of anything to bestow. You still need a will! There are many loose ends to tie up when we are gone, and your will is appointing a person to take care of these things for you.
Periodically, you will need to update your will. Prepare a new will if you or your family have had any life changes such as marriage, divorce, death of a loved one, birth of a new child or grandchild, or name changes of your beneficiaries.
This is an excerpt from the book to be released later this year. I swear, progress is happening.