Will Writing Tips

By Ryan Dennin

Just about everyone now a day’s should have some sort of a will in the unfortunate circumstance that something someday will happen to you. Now days it doesn’t always need to involve trips to a lawyer, as many people have taken the route of completing wills online. Most experts say that do it yourself wills are suitable for anyone that has net worth under 2million dollars (US News). On average a trip to an attorney could cost you $300- $1000 but gives you the peace of mind that all the legal obligations for each state are adhered too. Once the method is chosen to complete the will there are few key tips when preparing it.

First and foremost you should know all of your assets. Take the time out and write down everything that you own that is worth passing down to others. Things like real estate, vehicles, and even TV’s and computers are considered assets that should be calculated. Next is to pick the beneficiaries that will receive part of your estate when you die. An article in US News, says you’re most important assets are your children, so pay close attention to the decisions you make as to who is going to take care of them if your spouse and you were to both die. Third, you should choose an executor of the will. This is someone that will carry out the will if you die and can possibly be someone that gets some of your assets. Lastly, it is important to keep your will in a safe place where your children and executor of the will know where to find it. Sometimes this could be a fire proof box, or a safe depository.

Sources:
http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/retirement/2007/11/12/how-to-write-a-will-online.html
http://www.chiff.com/legal/wills-estates.htm
http://quamut.com/quamut/estate_planning/page/how_to_write_a_will.html