Yakima Wills Lawyer
Many people would consider a last will and testament to be the cornerstone of a well-developed Washington estate plan, and it is true that this is a core document. Your will is your voice after you pass away, providing instructions on how you want your estate managed and who should be named to do the job. Plus, there are many other goals you can achieve through your will, offering benefits for your family and legacy.
Because it is such an important document, legal help is critical for preparing your will. Mistakes can void your intentions and create significant hassles for loved ones. You can count on Moulton Law Offices to advise you on details and prepare a will that conforms to your needs. We have assisted numerous clients with wills and other estate planning, so please contact us to set up a consultation with a Yakima wills lawyer. It is also useful to review some information about the relevant concepts.
Goals You Can Achieve with a Will
Your last will and testament is a powerful document that enables you to accomplish many objectives even after you have passed. Through your will, you can:
- Name an executor to carry out the instruction you provide;
- Make general bequests of your estate to beneficiaries;
- Distribute specific assets to beneficiaries;
- Create a testamentary trust that avoid distributing items outright to beneficiaries; and,
- Include a special needs trust to provide for a loved one.
You can also coordinate your will with other estate planning documents. One arrangement that is effective for avoiding probate is using a “pour over” will that transfers any assets you own at death into an existing living trust. You legally own nothing, so you will not need to go through estate administration.
Formalities for Creating a Will
The basic requirements for preparing a will are that you must be at least 18 years old, and of sound mind and body. Plus, you must either sign yourself or direct someone to sign for you. The signing must be observed by at least two disinterested witnesses who also sign in the presence of each other and the testator. In Washington, all wills must be in writing.
Our Process
At Moulton Law Offices, we have established an approach to preparing wills for clients, and it begins with an in-depth consultation and comprehensive review of your circumstances. We need to know your family situation, goals, and expectations to draft a will that conforms to your intentions. In addition, a Washington estate planning lawyer will:
- Prepare a first draft of your will for review;
- Meticulously explain each provision;
- Make revisions as necessary to finalize your will; and,
- Coordinate signing, witnesses, and other formalities necessary to make your will valid and solid.
Discuss Your Options with a Yakima Wills Attorney
For more information on how we can assist with preparing your will, please contact Moulton Law Offices to speak to a member of our team. We are happy to schedule a case assessment with a skilled attorney at our Yakima estate planning law firm.
