We often set goals and resolutions to improve our lives as we approach the start of a new year. One goal that many people overlook is creating a living will. A living will, also known as an advance directive, is a legal document that outlines your medical wishes in case you become incapacitated and unable to communicate. While it may not be the most exciting resolution, drafting a living will can provide peace of mind and ensure your wishes are respected in a medical emergency. Preparing a living will is an excellent New Year’s resolution and pre-paid legal services can help.
Articles Posted in Wills
Drafting A Simple Will is a Great New Year’s Resolution
The New Year is a great time to set new goals and work on self-improvement. Often, people make resolutions to improve their health, finances, or relationships. However, one area that is frequently overlooked is estate planning. A simple will is an excellent New Year’s Resolution for employees. There are five problems that people can avoid by having a simple will and explain how pre-paid legal services and group legal plans can make estate planning more accessible.
The Risk of Not Having a Lawyer Write Your Will
Writing a will can seem overwhelming, and many people believe they can handle it on their own. However, without the proper legal advice and guidance, writing your own will is a risky proposition. You can avoid costly and potentially devastating mistakes. Writing your own will is risky, and a group legal plan can provide the protection you need.
Be Clear About Beneficiaries
The subject of death and estate planning can be uncomfortable to discuss, but it is essential to understand how it can impact your loved ones. Whether you are starting your career or nearing retirement, creating a simple will is a necessary aspect of estate planning. Identifying your beneficiaries is one of the most crucial elements to ensure assets are properly distributed. Beneficiaries should be identified in a simple will and how it can benefit your loved ones.
5 Common Problems with a Living Will
Young employees often overlook the importance of a living will, assuming that it’s something reserved for the elderly or those with severe health conditions. However, the truth is that accidents and medical emergencies can happen to anyone at any age, making it crucial to have a living will in place. Despite this, several problems often occur not only with drafting a living will but also with implementation. There are some challenges group legal plans can resolve.
5 Reasons Why You Never Write Your Own Will
Death is a topic that most people dread to talk about. It is impossible to predict when we will leave this world, but it is always important to be prepared for the inevitable. One of the things we need to do to prepare is to write a will.
A will is a legal document that stipulates how assets will be distributed after someone’s death. Many procrastinate in writing their will because they believe they do not have enough assets, are too young, or do not have dependents. Others make a significant mistake that has serious consequences. They try to write their own will, and that can be a disaster. There are reasons why you must not be the author of your last will.
What is the Difference?
Group legal plans will offer services that help employees manage everyday legal situations. For example, the vendors will assist in drafting simple wills and living wills. Sometimes, the language could be more straightforward. For example, a plan member might need help figuring out who is an executor instead of someone who has medical powers of attorney since both are legal positions. Here are the differences.
Essential Elements of a Simple Will
A simple will is a testament to what a person wants to be done with their estate once they have died. The document is no more than six pages long and, if properly drafted, will ensure a person’s wishes are fulfilled. However, some things need to be in the paperwork to make the document better enforceable. Here are some improvements a person can make to a simple will that ensures their wishes are carried out as intended. These improvements include:
- Alternative beneficiaries should be there. It’s vital to name alternative beneficiaries in case the primary ones died before the testator or are unable or unwilling to inherit their portion.
- The will ordinarily distributes the estate in equal shares among the beneficiaries. If the testator wants to leave specific amounts of money or assets to particular individuals or organizations, these must be included in the simple will.
- An executor has to be appointed so that the terms of the will are carried out. That person must be someone who is both competent and trusted.
- Provisions for minor children. This is essential if the testator has little children since their care and guardianship need to be provided if both parents pass away.
- Tax implications are going to play a role in estate distribution. Therefore, it is essential to consult with an attorney or accountant to be sure that the estate is structured in a tax-efficient way.
- Regular updating. Drafting a will is one thing, and maintaining it is another. Regular updates will make necessary corrections due to marriages, divorces, changes in assets, births, or deaths of any beneficiaries.
Put a Simple Will on Your 2020 Bucket List – Your Loved Ones Will Thank You
People like to set goals for the coming year. It is an opportunity to do things that will lead to a better quality of life. A project that should be on the 2020 bucket list is having a simple will drafted.
It is a task many will put on the back burner, and that is not a good idea. Death comes knocking when you least expect it. An accident or a heart attack can snatch a person and leave behind family and the estate open to dispute.
A Simple Will Prevents Domestic Trouble
It is sad to say but an estate can bring out the worst in people. Petty disputes can lead to feuds, which will last for years. Matters will only get worse because the probate court will be directly involved when there is no will. Continue reading
Avoiding Problems with a Simple Will – The Probate Issues Will Fade
Estates can be orderly or chaotic; the individual determines the state of affairs. A simple will can make life easier for everyone. Too many people keep putting off drafting a will until the future. Kicking the can down the street has consequences that are rough for beneficiaries. Group legal plans promote simple wills as a pre-paid legal services benefit, and plan members should not ignore this chore.
The Probate Hassle
The mission of the probate court is to assure the distribution of the estate to the rightful beneficiaries. Dying intestate, without a will, makes matters difficult as the state tumbles into probate bureaucracy. Probate court can be a spider’s web of regulations and procedures. The court appoints an administrator to supervise the estate’s distribution. That person reports directly to the court. Seeking court approval for various actions will slow down the process. It can take months before the estate is formally closed. Continue reading