If you do not have a will, make a plan to write your own will or hire an attorney now to create one for you.
A will is part of a total estate plan. All of us have an estate. Here are the parts and steps needed as part of estate planning.
1) Prepare a will. If there is no will, the courts will decide who gets your possessions.
2) Gather important documents which are tied to your estate. Deeds, trusts, stocks, etc.
3) Consider using estate planning software to create your legal will. Have an attorney review your finished documents.
4) Have your will notarized and witnessed by the appropriate number of witnesses for your state.
5) Regularly review your estate plan for changes such as the inclusion of later children, the death of a recipient, divorce or other legal changes in status.
6) Make a list of assets and liabilities.
7) Name an executor who will oversee your legal will after your demise.
8) Choose a guardian for your children.
9) Have a signed copy of your legal will. Keep other copies on hand as well.
10) Review your estate plan every few years.
11) Keep your insurance policies available to all after your death. Avoid delays opening safe deposit boxes.
12) Verify the type of joint ownership you have on your property.
Friday
California Probate Attorneys
What do California Probate Attorneys do?
If you live in California and need a will, trust or probate law services, then you need a probate attorney who is licensed in California.
Why?
First, whether you need a probate attorney in California, Texas or Alaska, proper estate planning is crucial. Estate planning protects your assets and provides for your loved ones and charitable endeavors after your demise.
California has a very particular set of probate laws and requirements. For instance, did you know the probate fees simply for filing in California may depend upon the value of your estate?
Or what will your loved ones do if after your demise, your will is contested in California court? Who will represent them and you and work to carry out your wishes in the manner you prescribed in your last will and testament?
Having a competent and licensed probate attorney to handle your final wishes or create a trust and protect you and your assets from court proceedings and unnecessary taxes is mandatory and good common sense.
How do you find a good probate attorney in California?
The California State Bar Association has a referral program and list of suggestions available on their website. Another resource on California probate law can be found here.
Also, you can check your phone directory, but verify that the probate attorney you select is licensed and certified in probate law, trusts, wills and estate planning before making your decision.
If you live in California and need a will, trust or probate law services, then you need a probate attorney who is licensed in California.
Why?
First, whether you need a probate attorney in California, Texas or Alaska, proper estate planning is crucial. Estate planning protects your assets and provides for your loved ones and charitable endeavors after your demise.
California has a very particular set of probate laws and requirements. For instance, did you know the probate fees simply for filing in California may depend upon the value of your estate?
Or what will your loved ones do if after your demise, your will is contested in California court? Who will represent them and you and work to carry out your wishes in the manner you prescribed in your last will and testament?
Having a competent and licensed probate attorney to handle your final wishes or create a trust and protect you and your assets from court proceedings and unnecessary taxes is mandatory and good common sense.
How do you find a good probate attorney in California?
The California State Bar Association has a referral program and list of suggestions available on their website. Another resource on California probate law can be found here.
Also, you can check your phone directory, but verify that the probate attorney you select is licensed and certified in probate law, trusts, wills and estate planning before making your decision.
Thursday
What does a tax lawyer do?
What does a tax lawyer do and how does that come into play with having a will?
Simple, when a will is executed, there is a good chance that the distribution of property, be it money, a house, etc. will be result in a taxable transaction. This is where a tax lawyer comes into the picture.
A tax lawyer does one of two things traditionally. They help a tax payer who is dealing with a state government or the Internal Revenue Service over back taxes owed. They can also assist a business with the payment of their taxes.
A tax lawyer is familiar with the myriad of tax laws and codes found at the state and federal level so having a tax lawyer on hand may not be a bad idea when a legal will is executed.
What sorts of situations may involve a tax lawyer and the execution of a legal will?
- The deceased leaves a large sum of money to a relative in the final will. This may trigger a "taxable event" for the recipient. There are tax laws which allow a one time distribution up to a certain amount for the recipient which only a tax lawyer may have familiarity with.
- The deceased leaves a summer home to a charity. However, the land has mineral rights which the deceased's family wishes to keep in a trust. A tax lawyer can set up the trust and verify that the funds will indeed go to the trust.
- The deceased has made provisions for a minor in their will. The minor will receive a bulk sum of money at two dates in their life both of which will occur when they are still a minor. Will this be a taxable event for the minor's parents or caregivers?
As you can see, there are many ways a tax lawyer can be involved in the execution of a legal will. As final arrangements are made, you may want to consider the services of a tax lawyer.
Simple, when a will is executed, there is a good chance that the distribution of property, be it money, a house, etc. will be result in a taxable transaction. This is where a tax lawyer comes into the picture.
A tax lawyer does one of two things traditionally. They help a tax payer who is dealing with a state government or the Internal Revenue Service over back taxes owed. They can also assist a business with the payment of their taxes.
A tax lawyer is familiar with the myriad of tax laws and codes found at the state and federal level so having a tax lawyer on hand may not be a bad idea when a legal will is executed.
What sorts of situations may involve a tax lawyer and the execution of a legal will?
- The deceased leaves a large sum of money to a relative in the final will. This may trigger a "taxable event" for the recipient. There are tax laws which allow a one time distribution up to a certain amount for the recipient which only a tax lawyer may have familiarity with.
- The deceased leaves a summer home to a charity. However, the land has mineral rights which the deceased's family wishes to keep in a trust. A tax lawyer can set up the trust and verify that the funds will indeed go to the trust.
- The deceased has made provisions for a minor in their will. The minor will receive a bulk sum of money at two dates in their life both of which will occur when they are still a minor. Will this be a taxable event for the minor's parents or caregivers?
As you can see, there are many ways a tax lawyer can be involved in the execution of a legal will. As final arrangements are made, you may want to consider the services of a tax lawyer.
Tuesday
Will lawyers
In days past, one would go downtown and visit their local attorney for legal services such as the creation of a legal will.
Perhaps today, the services of a lawyer or obtained by reference from a family friend or found by chance in the local phone directory.
Today, more of us are using the Internet to identify the name of a will lawyer who can properly and legally prepare a legal will and testament for our needs.
Whichever the case, will lawyers provide the services needed to create of a legal will. Generally, will laywers charge a flat (one charge for the basic will) fee or are for hire on a per hour basis.
While some will lawyer fees may appear high, the cost of not having a legal will is far higher.
If you are not familiar with the lawyer providing your services such as the creation of a legal will, check with your local bar association for references and suggestions.
Get a legal will today and provide for the ones you love tomorrow.
Perhaps today, the services of a lawyer or obtained by reference from a family friend or found by chance in the local phone directory.
Today, more of us are using the Internet to identify the name of a will lawyer who can properly and legally prepare a legal will and testament for our needs.
Whichever the case, will lawyers provide the services needed to create of a legal will. Generally, will laywers charge a flat (one charge for the basic will) fee or are for hire on a per hour basis.
While some will lawyer fees may appear high, the cost of not having a legal will is far higher.
If you are not familiar with the lawyer providing your services such as the creation of a legal will, check with your local bar association for references and suggestions.
Get a legal will today and provide for the ones you love tomorrow.
Monday
Estate Planning
Don't let the term estate planning intimidate you. First, an estate merely describes personal assets including a home and money. All of us have an estate according to the law and it is important that you have a legal will.
Your estate may consist of assets such as your home, car, recreational vehicle or watercraft, boat, furniture, art and antiques, investments, savings, checking accounts and retirement funds.
Are you aware of how many possessions you have and their value or will you wait until your passing and leave that task to your heirs? At that time, your loved ones and survivors will be faced with the task of deciding what to do with your possessions and how to distribute them according to the will and whim of the court. Estate planning allows you to create the neccessary legal documents and procedures to determine ahead of time how best to handle your worldly possessions upon our death.
Estate Planning starts today. Get a legal will!
Your estate may consist of assets such as your home, car, recreational vehicle or watercraft, boat, furniture, art and antiques, investments, savings, checking accounts and retirement funds.
Are you aware of how many possessions you have and their value or will you wait until your passing and leave that task to your heirs? At that time, your loved ones and survivors will be faced with the task of deciding what to do with your possessions and how to distribute them according to the will and whim of the court. Estate planning allows you to create the neccessary legal documents and procedures to determine ahead of time how best to handle your worldly possessions upon our death.
Estate Planning starts today. Get a legal will!
Sunday
Do it yourself will
Can you create your a legal yourself? Of course. Write down a listing of your possessions and how you would like them to be disbursed after your passing.
Sounds easy, right? Yes and no. Unless the proper procedures are followed for your state and to the satisfaction of the court system, your last will and testament may not be legal.
There consider purchasing an approved legal will form online if you want a do it yourself will. There are several companies such as LegalZoom and US Legal Forms which prepare approved do it yourself wills and have them available for completion online for a reasonable fee.
Why should you consider purchasing an online do it yourself will rather than making it yourself?
Consider this. Many states have laws which do not recognize homemade or handwritten wills. Further, your heirs may contest such a homemade will thus holding up the distribution of your possessions for years in court! Imagine what would happen to your young children or aged parents who were depending upon the execution of your legal will and having to wait for court proceedings to complete!
Because of reputable companies such as LegalZoom and US Legal Forms, anyone can download or complete online their legal and properly prepare will and testament themselves.
Remember! If you do not have a will, get one now and when you do, consider a do it yourself will prepared with a reputable legal form vendor online.
Sounds easy, right? Yes and no. Unless the proper procedures are followed for your state and to the satisfaction of the court system, your last will and testament may not be legal.
There consider purchasing an approved legal will form online if you want a do it yourself will. There are several companies such as LegalZoom and US Legal Forms which prepare approved do it yourself wills and have them available for completion online for a reasonable fee.
Why should you consider purchasing an online do it yourself will rather than making it yourself?
Consider this. Many states have laws which do not recognize homemade or handwritten wills. Further, your heirs may contest such a homemade will thus holding up the distribution of your possessions for years in court! Imagine what would happen to your young children or aged parents who were depending upon the execution of your legal will and having to wait for court proceedings to complete!
Because of reputable companies such as LegalZoom and US Legal Forms, anyone can download or complete online their legal and properly prepare will and testament themselves.
Remember! If you do not have a will, get one now and when you do, consider a do it yourself will prepared with a reputable legal form vendor online.
Tuesday
Heath Ledger: Legal will not updated
"Dark Knight", the new Batman movie starring the late Heath Ledger has broubht back into the limelight the problems caused with Ledger's lack of an updated legal will.
Ledger and feance Michelle Williams had a daughter, Matilda, and Ledger's will was not updated to reflect provisions for Williams or Matilda.
Having a will is the first step towards piece of mind. Not having an updated will is not a good idea. Ledger's daughter was not provided for and will now have to let Ledger's family in Austrailia decide which assets she will have access to.
For more information on legal wills, creating a will or legal forms, visit www.will.com.
Saturday
Legal Will: Do you need a Legal Will?
Have you seen the newest internet resource for legal wills? Please visit will.com the premier site for information on legal wills, legal forms, legal will lawyers, and basic legal information which may help you and your loved ones make good solid decisions about a legal will.
Visit will.com com here today.
Visit will.com com here today.
Thursday
Wills - Why do you need one?
If you own property of any type, car, home, business, personal possessions, you are probably not too worried about those things right now. After all, you own them and have the paperwork or documentation to prove your ownership. Seems like a nobrainer right?
But let's say while you are driving to work today you are tragically killed in an auto accident? What happens from that moment on to your possessions? Do they automatically go to your spouse, children or parents?
Although it varies in several states, generally your property will go to your spouse if you are married. But without a will, there is still a chance someone could contest their claim and hold your possessions up in court litigation for years.
That's right. Years.
And if an settlement cannot be reached, your home, car, furniture, valuables and even pets could be placed in receivership indefinitely until a settlement is reached in court. All because you did not have a legal will.
So what can you do? A few suggestions.
Check out your local bookstore and look for a legal kit or do it yourself will. They have them and some are pretty good. But face it, if you are not an attorney, you might be in trouble going it alone.
You can also check out some of the great legal form companies online like those from US Legal Forms. They have online forms you can fill out and you know they are lawyer approved and guaranteed.
Or you can consult your yellow pages or Legal Match for a pre-screened, certified lawyer.
Or you can do nothing. After all, without a legal will you have everything to lose and nothing to gain. Right?
But let's say while you are driving to work today you are tragically killed in an auto accident? What happens from that moment on to your possessions? Do they automatically go to your spouse, children or parents?
Although it varies in several states, generally your property will go to your spouse if you are married. But without a will, there is still a chance someone could contest their claim and hold your possessions up in court litigation for years.
That's right. Years.
And if an settlement cannot be reached, your home, car, furniture, valuables and even pets could be placed in receivership indefinitely until a settlement is reached in court. All because you did not have a legal will.
So what can you do? A few suggestions.
Check out your local bookstore and look for a legal kit or do it yourself will. They have them and some are pretty good. But face it, if you are not an attorney, you might be in trouble going it alone.
You can also check out some of the great legal form companies online like those from US Legal Forms. They have online forms you can fill out and you know they are lawyer approved and guaranteed.
Or you can consult your yellow pages or Legal Match for a pre-screened, certified lawyer.
Or you can do nothing. After all, without a legal will you have everything to lose and nothing to gain. Right?
Saturday
Heath Ledger will leaves out Matilda
The late Australian actor, Heath Ledger, had a last will and testament, but it left nothing to his daughter Matilda or his former girlfriend, Michelle Williams.
Apparently, Ledger had not updated his will in some time and nearly all of his possessions and assets will go to his parents and other family members.
See more of the story here.
Friday
Do you have a legal will?
A will is a legal document which clearly outlines what should happen to your property upon your death. It is a fact that most states decide how property is allocated to survivors in instances where someone dies without a legal will.
Imagine if your children were not provided with financial support. Or your home was auctioned off and the proceeds given to an unfriendly relative who laid claim to your property in court.
Worse, imagine if the court and government took position of your property and held it, interest free, in probate for years while it decided what to do with your assets!
It can happen and it does happen to many every year who have no legal will.
Take the time now to consider what you can do today to prepare and provide for your assets and property. Get your legal will now.
Imagine if your children were not provided with financial support. Or your home was auctioned off and the proceeds given to an unfriendly relative who laid claim to your property in court.
Worse, imagine if the court and government took position of your property and held it, interest free, in probate for years while it decided what to do with your assets!
It can happen and it does happen to many every year who have no legal will.
Take the time now to consider what you can do today to prepare and provide for your assets and property. Get your legal will now.
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