Wills are documents that allow you to determine to whom your assets are distributed after your passing. A will also indicates who will be the executor of your estate (known as personal representatives in Missouri). According to LegalZoom, over 70% percent of Americans do not have a will. Continue reading to find out five reasons why you should hire an attorney to create your will.
#1 – Avoids Mistakes
When you hire an attorney to create your will, that person is the expert on creating wills and makes sure no mistakes are made. You could use a template to create your will, but your circumstances may require more details. There are some aspects needed in wills to make them legal or easier to administer in Missouri. An attorney will ensure you have that.
#2 – Provides Assurance
Even with a will, your heirs won’t be able to avoid probate after your death. An attorney can educate you on how to properly title your assets and name beneficiaries to avoid probate. Also, an attorney can ensure your will is drafted so that it will be harder to contest. An attorney can help you set up trusts in addition to preparing your will. You may want to consider an attorney with experience in all aspects of estate planning, since you may determine that a trust is needed.
#3 – Gives Advice
After you create your will, life may change, requiring updates to your will or the need for a trust. For example, you could have a child, get divorced, or get married. These are times when you want to review your will. An attorney can help ensure you have the proper wording and information in your will to account for your new circumstances or provide options for forming a revised estate plan.
#4 – Protects You
You can create some documents along with your will that can provide protection to you before you pass. These documents include a healthcare power of attorney for medical and end-of-life decisions. This allows someone to make medical decisions for you if you are not able to. You can also create a financial power of attorney for financial and legal decisions.
#5 – Provides Education
An attorney who has experience creating estate plans, including wills, provides you with information on your options and the best way to create the documents you need. All situations and families are different, and you need documents specific to your needs. In addition, having an attorney can give your family a knowledgeable contact to assist them in understanding how to proceed after your death.
Consider consulting an attorney to create your will to ensure all of your assets are distributed per your wishes. Call us at (417) 887-4170 to schedule a consultation.