Everyone should create a last will and testament to direct what will happen with their assets after their deaths, regardless of the size of their estate. Because laws can be complicated, the best way to ensure your wishes are honored is to work with a knowledgeable estate planning attorney.
A well-drafted will can protect your family and assets now and prevent disputes amongst your loved ones later. A Metairie wills lawyer could take the time to learn about your family’s unique needs and desires and help you craft a will that meets your wishes.
Benefits of Having a Will
A will can help people plan for the future.
Distribution of Assets
When people die without a will, they die intestate, which means the state’s laws on succession determine who will get their assets. For instance, when someone dies with children and without a spouse, the children will inherit everything in equal shares. Even if the deceased person has a much better relationship with one of their children, such as if one child sacrificed their professional career opportunities to care for an ailing parent, the court will not distinguish between them. Estranged children would inherit the same amount. In that scenario, the deceased person’s parents and siblings would inherit nothing.
With a will, a person can make specific decisions about what they would like to leave each family member. They can also include friends who are not relatives to bequeath items.
Protection of Minor Children
A will allows a person to appoint someone to care for their children in the event of their death. They can designate a guardian who would have custody of their minor children and someone to control their assets and safeguard them for their kids.
A skilled lawyer in Metairie could help someone draft a will that gives them peace of mind, ensuring that their wishes will be carried out exactly as they want.
Who Should Have a Will?
Anybody with any assets or who has minor children should draft a will so they can protect their interests and children. After drafting an initial will, people should periodically review their estate plan to ensure that it continues to reflect their wishes accurately. Over time, priorities and relationships with family members and friends can change. It is important to update a will to address life changes, such as divorces, deaths, or sizeable shifts in income due to windfalls or debts.
A Metairie wills lawyer could discuss how a client’s goals have changed and what they want to accomplish now at a meeting.
Work with a Metairie Wills Attorney
If you have assets or children, you need a will. A seasoned Metairie wills lawyer could guide you through the estate planning process by meeting with you to learn about your unique needs. They could review the will and other estate planning documents with you to ensure that your interests, assets, and family will be protected and your wishes will be carried out.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential meeting.
