Don Harmening, Attorney At Law
Last Wills and Testaments
Control how your estate is distributed after your passing.
Your last will and testament ensures that your assets are distributed to the beneficiaries you choose, reducing potential disputes among heirs.
$600-$900
(1 Will / 2 Wills)
Service Procedure
Free Consultation
- Assessment of Needs: Discussion about the client’s estate, including assets, debts, and family structure.
- Goals and Wishes: Understanding the client’s wishes for asset distribution, guardian appointments for minor children, and any specific bequests.
Document Drafting
- Will Drafting: Preparation of the Last Will and Testament document, reflecting the client’s wishes for asset distribution, guardianship, and other instructions.
- Legal Clarity and Compliance: Ensuring the will meets all legal requirements for the client’s jurisdiction to be valid and enforceable.
Review and Revisions
- Client Review: Presenting the draft to the client for review, ensuring it accurately reflects their wishes.
- Modifications: Making any necessary revisions based on the client’s feedback or changes in circumstances.
Execution of the Will
Formal Signing: Assisting with the formal signing process, which typically requires the presence of witnesses and may need to be notarized, depending on the jurisdiction.
Storage and Copies
- Secure Storage: Advising on or providing secure storage options for the original will to ensure it’s safe and can be found when needed.
- Copies Distribution: Providing copies to the client and possibly advising on sharing copies with executors or trusted individuals.
Executor and Guardian Guidance
Explanation of Roles: Providing detailed explanations to the client about the roles and responsibilities of the executor and any appointed guardians, including suggestions for discussing these appointments with the chosen individuals.
Guidance and Advice
- Advice on Updates: Discussing circumstances under which the will should be reviewed and possibly updated, such as after major life events (e.g., marriage, divorce, birth of a child) or significant changes in assets.
- Estate Planning Integration: Offering advice on how the will integrates with other estate planning tools and strategies, such as trusts, to ensure a comprehensive estate plan.
- Tax Implications: Providing information on potential tax implications of estate distribution and how to minimize tax burdens for heirs.
Navigating Last Wills and Testaments
A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that articulates your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets and the care of any minor children after your death.
Serving as the foundation of estate planning, it ensures that your estate is managed and allocated exactly as you intend, not according to state laws, which take over in the absence of a will.
By appointing an executor of your choosing, a will simplifies the probate process for your heirs, clearly outlining who gets what, who is responsible for minors, and even who should take care of beloved pets.
Virtually everyone stands to benefit from having a Last Will and Testament, including:
- Parents of Minor Children: Designating guardians to ensure your children are cared for by people you trust.
- Property and Asset Owners: Dictating how your assets, including digital assets, are distributed to loved ones or charities.
- Individuals with Specific Wishes: Ensuring particular items or heirlooms go to chosen family members or friends.
The ideal time to create a Last Will and Testament is now, regardless of your age or health status. Life’s unpredictability makes it crucial to have a plan in place. Significant life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or acquiring significant assets like a home are especially critical times to either create or update your will to reflect your current wishes and circumstances.
Your Will, Your Way
The thought of drafting a Last Will and Testament can feel overwhelming, but it’s an essential step in taking charge of your legacy and ensuring your loved ones are protected and provided for according to your wishes. Don’t leave the future to chance or the state.
Whether you’re ready to draft your first will or need to update an existing one, contact us for a free consultation. Our expertise will help simplify the process, making it straightforward and stress-free.