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What are the guidelines for writing a will?

On Behalf of | Sep 28, 2020 | Wills |

Many people decide to set up a will in order to protect their estate and ensure that their loved ones receive the support they need down the road. However, there are many issues to take into consideration when it comes to creating a will and you need to understand the various guidelines that come with writing a will.

Unfortunately, some people overlook certain facets of the will-writing process, leading to complications later on. For example, if requirements are not satisfied, some wills are considered invalid. Moreover, failure to approach your will correctly can increase the odds of a contentious dispute.

Understanding the requirements for a valid will

According to USA.gov, there are a number of guidelines that people need to keep in mind when writing a will in order to ensure that the document is valid. For example, people must create wills while they have a sound mind and are able to make clear decisions about their estate. Although wills are not always notarized, doing so helps prove the validity of the document. Moreover, those under the age of 18 cannot set up a valid will in most states.

Understanding what a will addresses

There are various ways in which wills protect one’s assets and address other critical issues after they die. For example, wills outline preferences regarding the guardianship of minor children as well as the way in which property is distributed among beneficiaries. Moreover, wills also detail one’s wishes regarding charitable donations after their death. Without a valid will in place, one’s assets are not always split up in accordance with their preferences.

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