Estate planning is one of the most important aspects you’ll ever address in your life. Having a sound estate plan can ensure that you always receive the medical care and support you need, and it also means that your loved ones will gain an inheritance.
However, it can be a daunting process because a large part of it does center around your incapacitation. Some people simply want to get on with it, so they start to draft a will on their own. This is often a mistake. It can be much more beneficial to have guidance behind you when drafting a will, and here’s why:
The terminology of a will must be precise
All states have their own laws when it comes to estate planning. Thus, the wording of your will is very important. You can certainly download templates online, but how do you know these are relevant to your state? If you get the wording wrong in the document, then it’s likely that the court will deem the will invalid. The consequence of this is that your final wishes will not be honored, and your loved ones could end up going without.
If you don’t take steps to avoid disputes, your heirs could suffer
As well as terminology, there are also specific procedures that must be followed during the drafting of your will. In Virginia, the signing of your will must be witnessed by two responsible adults. The testator must also be at least 18 years of age at the time the will is created. If these steps have not been followed, then it opens your will up to potential contests, which could mean the distress of litigation for your family members.
While there are a lot of do-it-yourself projects out there, your estate plans shouldn’t be among them. For peace of mind, it is much better for you to seek some legal guidance as you address your estate.