With
a simple
estate,
you probably need only minimal professional help. In
this case, a
will
preparation software program can be an inexpensive,
effective way to get started. But software-generated wills may be valid
in one state but not another, so it’s important to have your will
reviewed by an experienced attorney before you sign.
The
more complex your circumstances, the more help you’ll probably need.
For example, if you have a blended family or if you’re concerned that
someone might contest your choices, creating a will to accomplish your
goals could be complicated. If you own property in different states,
their laws might conflict over taxation or inheritance rules. And if
your estate is large enough, it may trigger
estate taxes
when you die.
An experienced estate planning attorney knows the quirks of your
state’s laws and courts and can offer advice on how to make the
transfer of your
assets
easier. Although it may take time and money
now, in the long run, professional advice could result in fewer
headaches for your heirs and smaller expenses for your estate.
When you update your
will, make sure to destroy all copies of your old will, to
avoid confusion. Sign only one copy of the new one, which
you can photocopy for your back-up files.
State laws vary
on what constitutes a valid will. For example, only about
half the states accept handwritten wills. Some states, but
not all, allow fill-in-the-blank wills. And while some states
require two witnesses to make a will official, some require
three.
