How to Write Your Last Will and Testament with an Expert?

Even though there is an available Last Will and Testament template you can find, it is still important that you write it with an expert. According to experts, following a Last Will and Testament template is not a smart way of preparing your estate plan.

Unlike the Last Will and Testament template, it is arguably difficult to craft something that would include three major things namely: financial power of attorney, medical power of attorney and a trust. You must also identify your executor or estate representative. The Last Will and Testament template is just a standard format – not necessarily an expert instruction. There is a possibility that you will feel overwhelmed especially when faced with the intricacies of the law.

So, even with a Last Will and Testament template, you still need an expert to prepare your will because:

A Last Will and Testament template is not state-specific. You can find a lot of websites with DIY will templates, which may be a good alternative for people who do not have complicated financial situation to even need a lawyer. However, a Last Will and Testament template is usually not specific to the state you are in. It is just a standard format that you can follow but not necessarily in conjunction with a particular state law. Experts know there are important components especially on how the estate taxes work.

Self-crafted wills based on a Last Will and Testament template alone are usually not signed and finalized properly, with beneficiaries or executor as witnesses, which shouldn’t be because of two things –

The witness – who is also the beneficiary – may be invalidated or the entire will.
The law may prevent the witness to receive the benefits stated in the will.

So in order to avoid mistakes and reap benefits like reduction of taxes and save money for your family, do not just rely on a Last Will and Testament template – ask an expert when drafting your will. If this is your entire life’s estate, a Last Will and Testament template will never do.

Finally, there are processes like identifying your assets, joint properties with your spouse, selection of executor and trustees and beneficiary designation that are sometimes too delicate to handle on your own and are too specific for a Last Will and Testament template to take care of. There are things you must consider in accordance to the law and everything that lies in between, which are not included in a Last Will and Testament template.

Need Help?

If you are not sure as to what legal document you currently have contact one of our professionals to help you with your estate planning. They will make sure you have all of your grounds covered and have the right legal documents that best suite your wants and needs.