Have a Will done properly to save you family money and lawsuits

Have a Will done properly to save you family money and lawsuits

Making your will is an important step in your financial management program.  To save your heirs time and money, plan now for the orderly transfer of your property.

In this way the cost of a bond and possible disagreement among those who are to receive your property may be avoided. You decide to whom, when, and in what amounts your assets should go.  You select your executor or personal representative, the one who shall be responsible for the disposition of the estate.  You may avoid forced sale of property, or costly and tedious applications to courts for the right to sell it.  You have greater assurance that your plans will be carried out as you desire.

One way to guarantee trouble to a family is not to make a will.  Court records bulge with tragic tales of families torn apart and caused immeasurable pain and financial expense because the income producer did not do so.

Without a will your estate must be distributed according to the intestate laws, the provisions which are general and inflexible.  The law will say who shall administer your estate, among whom, and how it should be divided.  By losing the privilege of naming your executor or personal representative, you may make a costly mistake.  Your property may not be distributed as you wish, and thus cause a hardship for those you want to safeguard most. Without a will, you lose the privilege of naming a guardian for your minor children.  This is vital, particularly if your spouse should not survive you.  If you leave no immediate family, failure to leave a will may result in your property going to persons in whom you have no particular interest.

Wills are not do-it-yourself projects.   Secure the services of an attorney.  Although many prepared without legal aid have been successfully executed, the risk is too great.  A minor detail may invalidate your good intentions.

Source http://www.co.cumberland.nj.us/content/22602/23182/23382/23402.aspx#wills