Will Drafting in Baldwin County, AL
Drafting a will may just be the most important thing you can do for your estate. A will is the cornerstone of the estate planning process. It allows people to decide on the future of their estate, namely what happens to their possessions. When a person is able to decide who receives specific assets, it provides a peace of mind for both the subject of the will and the people left behind. When a person passes without a will (intestate), it can lead to infighting and arbitrary decisions by the court. When a person passes with a will (testate), one’s wishes can be carried out correctly. If you need an estate planning attorney to help you discuss these sensitive subjects and walk you through the process of executing a will, contact Stone Crosby, P.C.
What is a will?
A will is a testamentary document. These documents are executed to declare directions for how an estate should be settled after a person passes. A will can describe what assets are included in the estate and who they should go to. In addition, a will can detail who should carry out the testator’s wishes, also known as the executor. A will is something for everyone to consider. Whether you are a person of means or live a modest lifestyle, even the smallest of assets or possessions deserve to go to the people you choose. Without a will, assets will be passed in the line of succession.
How does one construct a will?
For a will to be valid in the state of Alabama, it needs to satisfy some simple requirements. For one, the will must be in writing and signed. In addition, the subject of the will (the testator) needs to be “of sound mind and body”. This is accomplished by two witnesses that are present to acknowledge the testator’s capacity and why they are present. In most cases, they will even sign the will to verify these facts.
Modifying a will
There are sometimes circumstances that call for the need to modify the will. For most, this can be accomplished quite easily. A will should be considered a work in progress and as life changes, so should the document. While there are ways to amend an existing will, it is often better to discuss the changes with an attorney and sign a new one. Some of the reasons to modify a will include:
- Divorce
- Adoption
- The birth of a child
- Death of a spouse or other family member
- Remarriage
- Change in finances
Contact Stone Crosby, P.C.
If you are interested in discussing your estate with our firm, you are making the right choice. Though the topic is sensitive, our firm is ready to guide you through the process with a comforting, light touch. Estate planning is important and a will is the keystone to a comprehensive plan for the future of your estate. When you are ready, contact our firm. We would be honored to help you secure the future of your assets and possessions. Contact Stone Crosby, P.C.