Family ... End of Life Issues
Recipe for a Basic Will
By Christine Donnolo, The Money Chef
I’m on a mission to help people get their legal paperwork together for the future and it helps to have things spelled out in writing. I started with Healthcare Directives, now I’m suggesting you write a WILL.
Yes, I know it’s something you know you need to do one of these days but you just haven’t gotten around to it. Well here is a list of things to think about and get you started.
Now, it’s always advisable to seek lawyer but it’s not necessary for a valid Will (Louisiana is an exception) and if money is a problem check out the links below, they are helpful.
RECIPE FOR A BASIC WILL
Ingredients:
- You – Name, address, and you can include social security number and driver’s license if you believe there would be a question about the Will belonging to you.
- Single or Married – if married to who…make sure you name the person.
- Age and Mental State- State you are in sound mind and XXX years old.
- Executor – Who is going to ensure that your wishes are carried out? Make sure it’s someone you really trust, include their name, address and relationship too.
- Children –Name them and if they are minor have decide who is going to be responsible for them. Make sure you ask the person(s) first to make sure they are willing and able to take on this responsibility.
- Beneficiaries – Who is going to get your assets and personal items, Name them and their relationship to you?
- Funeral Arrangements- Make your wishes know so that your family and/or friends do not have to figure it out.
- Sign, Date and Notarize the Will –This is very important. You can go to your local bank and they should have a notary available to confirm your signature. You don’t need it notarized but it’s a good idea.
Directions:
- Take a piece of paper and start writing in the information above in your own handwriting. In all States except Louisiana a handwritten document is legal. It takes time to think about the ingredients but it’s important you do it. Check out the sites below for more information for format and more information.
- Once you have written the document, sign and date it.
- Make sure you tell someone where it’s located.
As I mentioned this is a list to get you started? Here are a few resources with you can use to which are either free or a small cost to them.
You can also use the ingredients and the free resources to help you gather your information to take it to an Attorney to review. It will save time and money because all the preliminary information necessary for the Attorney to create the Will, will be written down.
Resources:
Nolo
RocketLawyer
DoYourOwnWill
LegalZoom
Free Legal Document
Knoji Knowledge Network
