Who needs to prepare a will?
Most adults should prepare a will, even single people or those in their 20s. Creating a will for these particular groups is a must to ensure a smoother legal and administrative process:
- Those who own property
- Married people
- Those with children
A will clarifies your wishes and makes them easier to carry out. It also establishes physical and financial care for minor children.
How to prepare a will
These days, you can either set an appointment with an attorney or create your own will online. While an attorney visit will probably cost more, you get the peace of mind that you’ve covered all your bases and that the document is legally valid.
Whichever route you go, you’ll need to consider the following:
- All of your assets and how you wish to distribute them
- Guardians for your minor children
- Donations you wish to make to charity
- The executor of your will
In order for your will to be valid, it needs to be signed, dated and witnessed. If you do prepare it online, it’s a good idea for a lawyer to review it before you sign it.
You should also update your will anytime a major life event takes place. Examples include purchasing real estate, having another child, getting divorced or if you need to change beneficiaries.
Final thoughts
Creating a will ensures things go smoothly for your family after you pass. Another way to ease their burden is to select a dedicated professional funeral home to provide compassionate services for your loved ones. Strouf Funeral Homes offers a variety of services to help those dealing with bereavement. Contact us for more information about planning ahead.