Sheltering Your Legacy and Protecting Your Family's Future
A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that communicates your wishes regarding the distribution of your property and assets after your death. It also allows you to name guardians for minor children and appoint an executor to manage your estate.
Every adult should have a will, regardless of the size of their estate. Without a will, state laws determine how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes.
Step 1: Asset Inventory - List all assets including real estate, investments, personal property, and digital assets.
Step 2: Choose Beneficiaries - Decide who will inherit your assets and in what proportions.
Step 3: Select an Executor - Choose a trustworthy person to manage your estate.
Step 4: Draft the Will - Work with an attorney or use validated legal forms.
Step 5: Sign and Witness - Follow your state's requirements for witnesses and notarization.
Step 6: Store Securely - Keep the original in a safe place and inform your executor of its location.
Wills must go through probate court, which can take 6-12 months or longer. The process is public record, meaning your asset distribution becomes public information. Consider a living trust for privacy and to avoid probate.