While some things in life are well-suited to do-it-yourself projects, legal issues typically are not an area people want to risk as the stakes can be high if the law is not followed. Trying to navigate the legal world can be difficult. Laws often vary greatly from one jurisdiction to the next and legal terminology can be incredibly confusing. Sooner or later, most people will eventually need the services of an attorney. We created this website to provide readers information about a wide range of legal issues. From estate planning to family law to real estate transactions, general attorneys provide the professional services many people need.
Few things worry folks as much as the possibility of disputes involving their estates after they pass. A will attorney can help you sort things out, though, in these four situations.
Sizeable Estate
One of the most likely scenarios where a person will want to have a will in place is if they have a large estate. Disposing of significant amounts of land and money, in particular, can be challenging. While the probate system can make a best effort to disburse assets, the only way to ensure assets get where you want them to go is if you set a will in place. It's always best to organize your estate in a manner that minimizes the involvement of the probate court.
Charitable Interests
Many people prefer to send significant portions of their estates to causes they care about. The only legal way to ensure this will happen is to sit down with a will attorney services provider and to clearly designate your preferred charities as beneficiaries. Similar issues apply, for example, if you'd like to donate part of your estate to a religious organization. Generally speaking, if the desired beneficiary isn't a family member, a will is the only dependable way to put assets in the beneficiary's hands.
Family Issues
This sort of thing conjures up images of people being "cut" out of wills, but the reality is that many folks have honest reasons for directing more of their estates' proceeds to certain family members than others. For example, it's common for a will to include a little extra for a child who directly assisted in providing care during your later years. Similarly, some folks drift so far apart from their families that it's hard to see them as logical beneficiaries of an estate. It's your right to designate certain people, including family members, to benefit more, and you should exercise it if you believe there's good cause to do so.
Minor Children and Other Dependents
One of the biggest fears many people have is that they'll leave behind someone who isn't financially prepared to take on life without them. The most obvious instance of this would be with an estate that's built to provide for your own minor children. Similarly, it's not uncommon for there to be a close family member who has long-term care needs. Tailoring the will to give them a little extra can ensure that your efforts while alive are sustained after you've passed.
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