Kennewick Wills Lawyers
Regardless of your economic situation or your age, it is highly recommended that you work with a Kennewick wills lawyer. This is the first step in creating a comprehensive estate plan that includes an enforceable will. A will is the foundation of most estate plans. Your will can stipulate how your assets will be distributed to your loved ones after you pass away, and can also name a guardian for your children. You can also use a will to reduce estate taxes, but you should update and revise them throughout your life. Below, our seasoned attorney explains more.
What Happens if You Do Not Create a Will?
Some people do not realize that if they do not have a will or other estate planning documents in place, state law will control their estate after they pass away. For many people, the manner in which the law will control their estate does not represent their final wishes. People who pass away without a will are considered intestate, and the process can take much longer while also incurring more costs. When working with a lawyer who can create a comprehensive and detailed document, the process is much easier.
Will Contests and Challenges
Even when a will has been carefully drafted and other documents are submitted to support it, the document may still be contested or challenged after you pass away. There are many situations that can result in a contest or challenge to a will. These include:
- Questions about your mental capacity at the time you drafted and signed the will,
- Concerns about a breach of fiduciary duty or fraud,
- Wills that include outdated information,
- Accusations of will forgery, and
- Inaccurate facts contained within a will.
When a will is contested the administrator of the estate, also known as the personal representative or estate executor, must continue to make sure they are acting in the best interests of the beneficiaries.
Do You Need a Lawyer to Create a Will?
While all adults should have a will, no one is required to work with an attorney when creating one. However, drafting a will on your own comes with many risks.
The Internet today has made it easier than ever to find DIY will forms and templates. These are very general and do not always take specific state laws into consideration. If you do not obtain legal advice when drafting your will, it becomes even easier to challenge and your final wishes may not be met. A lawyer will make sure no mistakes are made and that your will is drafted in accordance with Washington law so the future of you and your family is protected.
Our Wills Lawyers in Kennewick Can Help with All of Your Estate Planning Needs
There are many factors to consider when you create a will. At Moulton Law Offices, P.S., our Kennewick wills lawyer can inform you of what those are and provide the sound advice you need to make the best informed decisions. Call us now at 1-509-328-2150 #9090 or fill out our online form to book an appointment and to obtain the legal advice you need.
