A will is a legal document that expresses upon your death what you want to happen to your belongings and assets, who you want to care for your minor children, and any special instructions you have regarding your affairs.
Without a will, what you leave behind can fall into probate court, which will administer your estate, resolve claims, and disposes of your assets without regard to what you would have liked to have happen. It’s best to avoid probate court.
You do not need to be old to have a will.
If your estate is modest, you can write a simple will yourself, however, it is in your best interests to have a lawyer who is experienced in writing wills produce a will for you.
That’s because state laws regarding wills vary and you may miss something that may become an issue among your heirs and creditors. At least have a lawyer review the will you write to see if it has any deficiencies.
For those who have more than modest assets, hiring an attorney to produce your will can avoid pitfalls and oversights. The work can be completed for a reasonable fee and provide you with peace of mind.
Making changes to your will can also be accomplished by your attorney whenever you decide to do so. In the end you will have a valid will and keep your state out of your business.