Imagining how your loved ones will be taken care of after you pass away can be a scary thought. However, it's better to have your wishes laid out so that they won't have to make any of the difficult decisions. A will is a common way for people to state their preferences when it comes to their assets and property.
Having a will eases the transition of transferring property to loved ones, while avoiding certain taxes. The Law Office Of Paul D. White P.A. has 26 years of experience in estate planning and can create or update any type of will you need, from simple to complex.
What Is Required To Create A Will?
In order to create a will, you must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. You also must have two witnesses present when signing the will. In Arkansas, oral wills are not valid. Handwritten wills are valid as long as they are written by the testator and witnessed by three credible witnesses. These requirements are very strict and our attorney can help guide you through the process.
Determining who will take control of your assets can be difficult. There are some legal restrictions when it comes to making those choices. For example, property that is owned in joint tenancy must go to the surviving tenant (often the case with spouses). Similarly, pensions and insurance policies that name a beneficiary must go to the named party. There are many important decisions to make when creating a will, including deciding who will be the executor. It is important to have someone you trust. They will be responsible for consolidating and managing all of your assets and filing any necessary court and tax documents.
If a person dies without a will, transferring property to loved ones can be an expensive and complicated process. A probate court will divide the estate among surviving relatives. It is better to work with an attorney and write up a will you can feel confident about.
Contact Us Today For A Free Initial Consultation
Based in Bryant, The Law Office Of Paul D. White P.A. serves clients throughout Saline County. To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced estate planning lawyer, call us at 501-847-5556 or fill out our contact form.