No one wants to discuss Estate Planning, but it is something that should be done in order to make sure property and assets are distributed to the ones you choose. It allows you to plan through a will, trust or power of attorney. Planning ahead can reduce court costs, attorney fees and tax liabilities later on. It allows you to know that your loved ones will not be burdened with unnecessary red tape and financial confusion. It reflects your wishes.
The legal definition of a Will is, “a legal declaration by which a person, the testator, names one or more persons to manage his or her estate and provides for the transfer of his or her property at death.”
Palm Desert Will Lawyers of Coachella Valley
The Will details the distribution of an individual’s property and assets after his or her death. It should name the executor of your estate – someone you choose to handle your affairs. If there are children involved, a guardian should be named – someone who is responsible and someone you discussed guardianship with – and they agreed to it. Any changes to the existing Will should be made by codicil, a document that complies with California law.
Who can write a Will?
Any person over the age of majority and of sound mine can write his or her own Will. The Will can be written with or without an attorney. However, an experienced Estate Planning attorney can guide you in the right direction and make sure there are no pitfalls in the document.
The writer must identify him or herself as the ‘testator’ and maker of the Will. The words “last will and testament” must be shown on the face of the document. It must state that all previous Wills and codicils are revoked. The Will must be signed and dated at the end of the document by the testator and witnesses.
Early estate planning gives you control of your estate as you get older. A Will must be written to make sure your wishes are adhered to during your lifetime and after your death.
Contact the Law Office of Dale Gribow; the office is staffed with experienced attorneys who are qualified to give you sound advice and help you establish your estate planning goals without any surprises along the way.