Thursday, October 1, 2020

3 Things You Must Know About Writing a Will

 Creating a will is one of the most critical things you can do for your loved ones. However, the laws governing wills generally vary from state to state, so if you are not familiar with them then consider consulting a knowledgeable Kamloops Wills and Estates Lawyer in your area. Before you do, brush up on these 3 things, which can come in handy while writing a will.

Should I and my spouse have a joint will or separate wills?

Estate planners universally advise against joint wills, this is because odds are you and your spouse won’t die at the same time and there is probably property that is not jointly held. Besides, creating separate wills allows each spouse to address issues such as ex-spouses and children if any from previous marriages.

Who should act as a witness to a will?

Any person in general can act as a witness to your will, but you must make sure that you select someone who is not a beneficiary. Otherwise there can be a potential conflict of interest. Some states thought require 2 or more witnesses to the will. However, remember the lawyer who drafts a will cannot serve as a witness.

Where should I keep my will?

A court generally requires an original will before it can process the estate, so it is important to keep the document safe yet accessible. A waterproof and fireproof space in the house can be a good alternative for keeping the will.

Now, if you are finally looking forward to drafting your will then consider contacting a Kamloops wills and estates lawyer such as Denham law office to assist you with the will-making process.