Writing a Will may seem like a task, but it is vital. It is all about stating your wishes on paper. This helps your heirs avoid hassles and leaves you with a peaceful mind, knowing that your life’s worth of possessions will be in the right hands. While it is an essential task, writing a Will is not that easy. So do you need a lawyer to write your Will? Or, can you do it yourself?
In order to save some bucks, many people try to write their own Will. While there are several Will writing tools available, there are chances that you might still suffer costly mistakes. Writing a Will is one such task that must not be attempted on your own. Here are 4 reasons why you should hire a lawyer to help you write your Will.
1. Error Free Will
You cannot afford to make mistakes in a Will. After all, you are not going to be around to explain or correct them. Most of the common errors made when people attempt to write their own Will include – Signing the Will, signing in the presence of a witness, not updating the Will or updating it incorrectly. These mistakes might seem small but can also lead your Will to be declared void. A lawyer can save you from such errors by ensuring compliance with legal requirements and providing timely guidance.
2. Will Writing Tools- Not for Everyone
Several DIY tools for writing a Will are available online. They may be customized, but most of these templates are basic and may not fit your situation. Plus, you may suffer from use of non-specific language. If you do not have appropriate knowledge on writing a Will, your word usage may be vague. This may result in the misrepresentation of words used or non-compliance with the law. A lawyer’s experience and knowledge can help you write a Will that is easily understood by the parties applicable.
3. Prepare for Contingencies
You have set assumptions in mind regarding the distribution of your assets before you start writing your Will. These assumptions may go wrong. What if you outlive the heir who you transferred a property? What if you outlive the executor who was supposed to execute the Will? If you leave an asset for your friend, what happens if the asset no longer exists when your Will is executed? The list of possibilities can be endless. Working with an attorney on your Will can save you from such contingencies.
4. Legal Compliance
Writing a Will is surrounded by many laws. These laws are often vast and complicated for a common person to understand. The amount of property you can assign to a single person, number of beneficiaries, properties that you can include, etc are a few questions that need to be clarified. Once you have completed the process of writing a Will, you need to be sure it is valid. A lawyer can help you confirm that the contents of the Will and the manner in which it is written all conform to legal requirements.
While you can write your own Will, you may increase the chance of errors by doing so. If your financial situation is complex or you have complicated relationships involved, the risk of error keeps growing. Therefore, it is best to take guidance of a lawyer for smooth execution of your last Will and testament.
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