When you think about planning your estate, you may be overwhelmed by the thought of spending time and money creating a Will. Unfortunately, this is why many people put this process off, which can lead to their wishes not being met. As a result, many people instead try to write their own Wills. However, this can also lead to their wishes not being met, as many issues can arise through this process. The following blog explores why you should not try to write your own Will and instead connect with an experienced Medina, Ohio estate planning lawyer.
Why Is It a Bad Idea to Write My Own Will?
Writing your own Will. also referred to as a Holographic Will, is a handwritten document that explains your last wishes. Additionally, you may find that there are templates online that allow you to “do it yourself.”
Though it may seem easier, when you write your own Will, there are a number of things that can go wrong. First and foremost, if you do not include all the necessary information, it can invalidate your Will. For example, if you do not include the necessary personal information, name an executor, or if you do not have the correct number of witnesses to sign the document, it can invalidate your Will.
Additionally, you’ll find that you likely won’t include the entirety of the estate in your Will. As such, part of your assets can be left out, meaning they will not be distributed according to your wishes.
Should I Connect with an Attorney Instead?
If you are worried about your assets and Beneficiaries upon your passing, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney. When you have an attorney create your Will, you’ll achieve the necessary peace of mind that your wishes will be honored upon your passing. This is because the attorney can also include residuary conditions that ensure the remainder of your assets are distributed property.
Not only will they be able to help ensure all the necessary information is included to ensure your estate is distributed properly, but they can also ensure the document adheres to state law. In some instances, the language used in your Will may not be valid in Ohio. This is because when you use shorthand or abbreviations in your document, it can be invalid as the court may not understand the wishes in the document.
At Krause Law, we understand how complex creating a Will can be. As such, our dedicated legal team will do everything possible to help honor your wishes. Because these can take time to create, our firm can help make this process less complicated so you can focus on the things that matter most to you. Connect with our team today to learn how we can assist you.
