If you've decided to draft your own will, it's time to reconsider that decision. Drafting a will might seem like a simple project, but that's not the case. Without the right assistance, your self-drafted will could contain mistakes. Even minor mistakes can create serious problems for you and your family down the road. To avoid mistakes, hire an attorney to draft your will. If you're still not sure you need help with your will, read the list below. Here are four reasons to have an attorney draft your will.
Make Your Will Legally Binding
If you want to draft your own will, think about the legal issues. You might not realize it, but mistakes can void your handwritten will. If that happens, your estate can end up in probate court while a judge decides the fate of your assets. Plus, if your will isn't valid, outsiders could contest your will. That process can tie up your will for a long time. One of the best ways to make sure your will is legally binding is to hire an attorney. An attorney will ensure that your will is legally binding and that your will follows all state and federal guidelines.
Address Family Dynamics
If your family is like most, there are a lot of dynamics involved. Unfortunately, those dynamics can come into play after you die. That's especially true if you don't have an ironclad will. If you want to make sure that family dynamics are addressed, hire a will drafting attorney. An attorney can address issues like previous marriages and guardianships. Your attorney can also include trust accounts in your will. Trust accounts help protect assets from mismanagement. That's especially important when large sums of money are involved.
Tie Up the Loose Ends
If you haven't tied up the loose ends in your will, hire an attorney right away. Your will should address more than how your assets are divided. Your will should also address who controls the estate and how the estate will get managed once you die. That's where a will drafting attorney becomes beneficial. An attorney will help you choose beneficiaries, trustees, executors, and financial advisors. That way, there are no loose ends to deal with once you pass.
Protect Your Interests
If you haven't addressed your own needs in your will, now's the time to talk to an attorney. You might not know it, but your will should also address your own needs. That's especially true where end-of-life is concerned. When you hire an attorney, they'll make sure your will includes a medical power of attorney and a financial power of attorney. That way, you're protected if you can no longer make your own decisions.
