The quintessential cornerstone of nearly any estate plan is the will. It is the first document that comes to mind when we talk about inheritance and bequeathment, and it is a versatile tool with the ability to distribute property and assets, name guardians for our minor dependents, and even make note of funerary wishes. Dying …
A codicil is an addendum or amendment to a last will and testament. It takes priority over the original document, provided it is dated and witnessed correctly, and thus properly supersedes the will. The term itself comes from the Latin cōdicillus, which translates into “a short writing” – explaining exactly what a codicil should be. …
Leaving behind proof of your last will and testament is critical to seeing it honored after your death. Any document claiming to your last will is sure to be met with skepticism if it was not properly witnessed and notarized – after all, a document like a will determines who gets what after death and …
Your last will and testament is only your last will and testament so long as you do not make a new one. And there is really nothing standing in your way to making a new one. But what if you only want to change one line? Make one small amendment? Take one beneficiary out? Add …
What to know about creating wills for seniors? More than three quarters of Americans aged 65 and above have a will nowadays, although that number drops significantly to just over half of all Americans aged 50 to 64. This is good news for millions of adults, as even a simple will can go a long …
Whether it was overlooked, never found, or passed on by multiple different heirs, an unclaimed inheritance can eventually be escheated to the state government. To understand how an inheritance can be left unclaimed – as well as how to claim it before it’s too late – we need to dive into how inheritance and beneficiary …
Estate planning vs wills – what’s it all about? When setting up the ideal estate plan, it helps to have basic knowledge of how estate plans are structured before talking to a professional. Estate plans are not exclusive to the rich and famous, and they need not be complicated. The average estate plan begins and …
A will attorney, or estate planning attorneys, define themselves as “specialized” and typically work in estate planning or family law firms. Learn more about how they can help you. Most attorneys specialize in specific elements of the law. The complexity of the law is such that when faced with the prospect of hiring a legal …
California requirements for a last will and testament can be confusing. Hiring a professional will ensure that your documents are legally binding. A last will and testament is the classic example of a basic estate planning document: a legally enforceable set of instructions left behind, to be executed after death, pertaining to the distribution and bequeathment of …
There are many types of wills that address differing circumstances. While most wills have similar basic requirements, each type of testament serves a specific purpose. A will is a document that reflects your last and final will regarding your belongings, as well as your current dependents. Through a last will and testament, you should aim …