If you are thinking about creating and/or modifying a will, know that you are taking a critically important step towards safeguarding your wishes. A staggering number of American adults do not have a will in place and the fact that you are willing to embrace the estate planning process in this way is truly commendable. Drafting a will can be intimidating, but working with an experienced estate planning attorney can help to ensure that the process is as low-stress as possible.
Creating a Will – The Basics
When drafting a will, it is most important to understand what a will is and what a will is not. A will allows you to dictate how you want your sentimental and/or financially valuable property and assets to be distributed in the event of your death. However, a will only serves as a single (important) tool in the estate planning process. In order to ensure that your wishes related to end-of-life care and/or medical treatment in the event of debilitating illness or injury, you will need to work with your estate planning attorney to put other legal tools – such as a power of attorney designation and an advance healthcare directive – in place.
It is also important to note that while you may be tempted to create your will yourself, working with an attorney will help to ensure that your will is legally enforceable. Each jurisdiction has specific rules in place related to estate planning. Failure to seek experienced legal guidance may lead to negative consequences down the road. Before you meet with your attorney in order to construct your will, you may benefit from listing those assets you wish to address within your will. Think carefully about all of your financial accounts, digital accounts, real property and physical property when creating this list.
Estate Planning Guidance Is Available
If you are interested in either creating a will or modifying an existing will, please do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with an experienced estate planning lawyer today. Creating a will can be an understandably stressful and intimidating process. A lawyer has extensive experience assisting adults in all walks of life create wills and broader estate plans that fit their needs. They take the bulk of the legal stress off the shoulders of clients so that they can focus on making important decisions and moving forward in informed and empowered ways.
Scheduling a consultation with a law firm will not obligate you to take any action whatsoever. The initial conversation will simply help to ensure that you receive answers to your questions about wills, estate planning and working with a legal team. Once you have a better sense of how they can support you moving forward, you can make informed decisions about what comes next. Please do not hesitate to reach out today.
Source: Will Lawyer Allentown, PA, Klenk Law