|
Jasper L. Edwards
A will refers to a
legal document that describes and outlines who is to receive
the probate after the death of the person. A will is usually prepared by an
attorney, but you can also prepare one on your
own. A will has to be signed by the individual making it. This typically happens in the
presence of at least two valid witnesses together with a notary public. The person who is
making the will has to be no less than 18 years of age. In addition, he or she must be of
sound mind when signing the contract.
Elements covered by will
forms
A will dictates the manner in which
the probate property will be distributed upon the death of the person. Something such as life
insurance proceeds are not included in the probate property in case of death. Such proceeds
are shared out to the beneficiaries who are named in the life insurance policy. Property
that belongs to a
trust is also not included in the
probate property in case of death. Such property goes to a specific
trustee.
Failure to fill out a will form
There are those people who tend to
believe that they don't need to fill out a will
form because they own very little
property or none at all. However, one thing that you should keep in mind is that a will
covers other things apart from property. It can convey certain wishes of the deceased such as
the kind of funeral they desire, the fate of their body and their organs upon the event of
their death or the distribution of things such as personal items and
pets.
If an individual fails to fill out a
will form, their property will be shared out in accordance with the states’ laws of
succession. Such laws could dictate that it be shared out to specific close relatives. If
such relatives cannot be found, the probate property can be then distributed to distant
relatives. In the unlikely event that no close or distant relatives are found, the probate
property may then be taken by the state and any personal property will be disposed
of.
Getting will
forms
Acquiring will forms is not as
difficult as some people tend to think. With the various internet advancements, people can
now gain easy access to the will forms they want
online. However, just like with any other
formal legal document, your finished will form should be looked over by a qualified attorney
even though in most states this is not a legal requirement.
RESOURCE BOX
Free Wills to
Print provides detailed information on
Free Wills, How to Write a Will, Last Will And Testament, Living Wills and
more.
|
