Everyone knows about the importance of leaving a will, but over 50% of adults in this country do not have one. While it is natural not to want to dwell on one’s eventual death, practical requirements must take precedence over emotional constraints and every adult with family and assets must have a will. A legal will is a legally valid document that ensures that your property and personal assets are distributed as you wish.
You do not need a lawyer to crate a valid will. There are a huge number of resources available, especially online, to help you create a free legal will. There are free legal will forms and formats available for download. Since property and inheritance laws vary from state to state, make sure that you use the free legal will format that is applicable to the state in which you reside. While these legal will software options can guide you through the process of creating a valid document, there are some basic things that you need to keep in mind while drafting your will.
Key Factors In Preparing A Free Legal Will
Have you clearly indicated the people to whom you wish to leave your property? Give not just the person’s name but also his address or some other unique identifying feature that will prevent any confusion.
If fixed assets are to be divided, your free legal will should indicate how the assets are to be valued.
Make sure that the person you name as your executor is both willing and competent to undertake the job. Only then nominate him or her in your free legal will.
If you have minor children at the time you create your free legal will, nominate a guardian for them after ascertaining that person’s willingness to take on the responsibility.
Also name a manager to look after the property you are leaving to the minor children. This does not have to be the same person as nominated guardian. Many people prefer to keep the two responsibilities separate.
If you are completely sure of the executor, you can inset a waiver of bond clause so the executor does not have to post a bond.
Make sure that your free legal will revokes any previous wills you may have made.
Get two witnesses to validate your signature. These people do not have to see the contents of the will. It is enough if they see you signing it.
Make sure that this free legal will is kept in a safe place and that the executor and a few other people are informed about its location.
If you read and follow the instructions that come with the free legal will formats and keep the above issues in mind, there is no reason why your free legal will should not be a valid document that ensures the disposal of your property and guardianship of your children as per your wishes.
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