Making a will is an essential step in planning for your future. By making a will, you can ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you die. However, many people don’t realize that specific steps must be taken to make a will legally valid. In this blog post, we will outline the steps necessary to make a valid will and explain why each one is important.
Get a Lawyer
One tip that many people forget is to seek the help of a lawyer when creating a will. If you are interested on getting one, wills and probate lawyers frankston are the best option. Lawyers are well-versed in the laws for estate planning and can help ensure that your will meets all legal requirements. Additionally, they can advise how best to protect your assets and ensure that your wishes are fulfilled after you die.
Many people prefer to use an online will maker, but these do not always meet the legal requirements in all states. This is one of the ways that can make your will invalid.
Get It Notarized
Another tip to ensure that your will is legally valid is to have it notarized. A notary public is a state-certified official who can verify the validity of a document, and having your will notarized helps to ensure that it won’t be contested after you die. Many notaries provide notarization services, and it’s essential to make sure that you find one who is certified. If someone can recommend a reliable notary, then this is even better. This way, you can ensure that your will has been notarized and is legally valid. Some states may require that witnesses also sign the notarized will.
Get Witnesses
The last tip is to ensure that your will is signed in the presence of two witnesses. Witnesses can attest that you were aware of what you were signing and that you did it voluntarily. These witnesses must be present at the time of signing, but they cannot be people named in the will or beneficiaries of any gifts contained in the will. When getting witnesses, choose ones who are reliable and knowledgeable about the contents of the will.
This helps to ensure that your wishes are followed after you pass away. But, you need to ensure that a witness is not a beneficiary, as this can lead to problems when the will is being enforced. By following these tips, you can ensure that your will is legally valid and protect your assets after you die. Having a lawyer help with the process can make it much easier, as they are well-versed in the laws surrounding estate planning and can help to ensure that your will meets all legal requirements. Additionally, having it notarized and signed by two witnesses can also help make sure that the validity of the will is upheld after you die. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your wishes are followed after you pass away.