What is a Will?
– Sacramento Estate Planning Attorneys –
In the simplest terms, a will is a legal document in which you, the testator, will designate who will manage your estate after you die. Depending on the estate planning tools used, your estate may include a range of assets from high value items to smaller items with sentimental value.
The individual(s) you have chosen to manage your estate is referred to as the “executor,” they will be responsible for executing your will in accordance with your stated wishes. Any person named in the will that shall receive all or part of your estate is referred to as a “beneficiary.”
Making the decision to prepare for your future by creating a will and testament can provide major benefits and relief for you and your loved ones. By proactively getting your affairs in order, you remove future uncertainty about your wishes and can save your beneficiaries time, as well as unnecessary court fees and legal fees after your passing.
If you would like to know how we can help you create a will, please contact our law firm to schedule a consultation.
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Do I Need a Will?
Our experienced Estate Planning attorney, Dan Olsen, says, “When we talk with individuals about planning for the future, they believe a will or estate plan is only needed when they have high value assets that need to be distributed. Also, many clients simply think they have plenty of time to get around to making plans.”
So, do you need a will? Technically speaking, no. However, according to our attorney Mike Abrate, “The fact is everyone could benefit from creating a will. It is your opportunity to lay out what should be done with your belongings, and also how you want your remains handled after you pass.” While you may have a verbal agreement with family or friends regarding your wishes, without the necessary legal forms in place there is always an opportunity for a disagreement or miscommunication over what you want.
Is an Attorney Required to Prepare A Will?
There is no law in place, that requires an attorney to prepare a will in order for it to be legally valid. However, there are many benefits in seeking legal advice from a lawyer who is experienced in estate planning. Legal requirements vary from state to state regarding what constitutes a valid will. An attorney can easily explain what is required to ensure that your will is valid, as well as what supporting documents to include. They can also help you avoid common mistakes that could lead to a contested will
Our experienced attorneys utilize estate planning tools to help families just like yours save time and money while reducing stress, uncertainty, estate taxes, and intrusion of probate courts. Contact our law office today to learn more about how legal options like Living Trusts and Power of Attorneys can be combined with a will to create a well-designed estate plan.
“At Abrate & Olsen Law Group, our Estate Planning Attorneys make our clients’ needs a personal and professional priority. You and your family deserve the best in the business and that’s what we deliver.”
My mother passed away without a will and our family had to endure a long probate process. I didn’t want my children to experience the same frustrations. Mike Abrate gave great legal advice about how estate planning basics like a will and living trusts would help my family avoid probate and reduce estate taxes. Hiring a lawyer to write the legal forms I needed was the best decision I’ve made!– Debi H., Sacramento, CA
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Having a Power of Attorney is one of the first steps of making decisions with your loved ones easier. A Power of Attorney is a legal form or forms that allows you to designate an attorney-in-fact who will act on your behalf under certain circumstances. When you are considering a POA, it is important to understand the four types of legal forms available to achieve your goals.
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