Queen Creek Wills Lawyer

Queen Creek Wills Attorney

Having a will is the way to ensure that your final wishes are documented and carried out according to your preferred methods. This will bring not only you comfort, but your family as well. A Queen Creek wills lawyer can help you get the most out of the will drafting process, guiding you every step of the way to ensure that your wishes are thoroughly communicated.

What Is the Purpose of a Will?

The purpose of a will is to have a clearly outlined plan for what happens to your property and your assets upon your death. This is a key component of your overall estate planning process. When done correctly, having a will can make a huge difference for the loved ones you leave behind.

It can appoint an executor to handle the distribution of your estate. It explains what to do with your money and who inherits various properties and assets, bringing clarity to a potentially confusing situation.

A well-explained will may lessen the need for the probate process, and it also can alleviate potential dissension between loved ones. While your assets and property can still be distributed without a will, it makes the process far more complex, leading to more time and money being spent and more unnecessary confusion for your loved ones.

What Should I Include in My Will?

Seeing as the purpose of a will is to communicate your wishes and lessen the potential for confusion, a will should include the following things:

• An executor. The job of an executor is to carry out the plan outlined in your will by gathering your property and assets, paying outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing your estate to the proper beneficiaries.
• Guardianship. If you have children under the age of 18, you should include the transference of guardianship in the event of your untimely death. It may also be beneficial to have a backup guardian listed in case something doesn’t work out with the original one you listed.
• Testamentary trusts. A testamentary trust is a trust created via your will for any minor children you may have.
• Charities. It is helpful to outline any charities you may want to leave funds or property to in the event of your death.
• Assets and properties. A will is the perfect place to list all of your assets and properties. Having a go-to document that covers your estate can make it far easier for your executor and beneficiaries when the time to distribute your assets and property arises. It helps to explain whether or not properties are to be sold and how the mortgage can be handled. You will also want to create a plan for the inheritance or sale of any businesses you may own.
• Disinheriting. If you wish to do so, you may explicitly disinherit individuals in your will. This can be your children or your spouse if your spouse has an inheritance.
• Beneficiaries. You will want to list your beneficiaries clearly in your will so that the executor knows where to direct various assets and property.
• Accounts. Remember to include the less-tangible assets, such as bank account information or even who you want to handle your social media when you are deceased. Investments, such as stocks and bonds, are also important and should be outlined in your will.

What Requirements Are There When Drafting a Will?

In the state of Arizona, the requirements for creating a will are as follows:

• You must be 18 years or older
• An executor must be named
• A guardian is chosen for any children under the age of 18
• The will must be electronic, printed, or written (also known as a “holographic will,” which is legal in Arizona)
• You are of sound mind and are not unduly influenced
• The will must be signed by you or signed by someone else directly appointed by you

If you experience any major changes in your life, it is a good idea to revisit your will and make changes accordingly. Some examples of said changes are getting divorced, having children, changes in your assets and property, starting or closing a business, and/or moving to a new state.

FAQs

How Much Should a Will Cost in Arizona?

The cost of drafting a will in Arizona differs on a case-by-case basis. It can depend on how complex your will is and the way you draft it. Due to how much the team at CDM Law Firm believes in the value of having a well-organized and thorough will, we will offer you a free consultation.

Do You Have to Pay a Lawyer to Read a Will?

You are not required to have a lawyer examine your will to make it legal, but it can be very beneficial. The average person may find various aspects of the will drafting process confusing or overwhelming, and having a lawyer walk alongside you every step of the way can mean the difference between a muddled mess and your final wishes being carried out exactly how you wanted.

Does a Lawyer Get a Percentage of a Will?

In the state of Arizona, lawyers typically do not charge a percentage of the estate’s value to help you draft a will. Lawyers will instead charge you an hourly fee for their services. It is good to note that there may be additional fees on top of the hourly fee that go towards filing your will.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Make a Legal Will?

While there are plenty of online resources to help you draft a legal will for less money, you will most likely spend a lot more of a separate and equally valuable asset: time. Our modern digital age enables you to make a legal will yourself, but having the experience and dedication of a Queen Creek will lawyer can help cut back on wasted time, potential missteps, and future confusion.

Start Preparing Today

You deserve to feel at peace about your future and to know that your family will be able to handle the emotions that come with your passing without the added confusion and anxiety of an unclear will. Those at CDM Law Firm know the value of clearly expressing your final wishes. Contact us today for a free consultation. It is the first step you can take toward a more peaceful tomorrow.