Creating a simple will is one way in which people can make sure that their close loved ones remain protected and financially secure in the event of their passing.   It also allows people to make binding decisions about their estates prior to their deaths.  If you are thinking about drafting a simple will, follow these tips:

§  Consider who you will want to serve as your executor.

§  Consider the future of your dependents and if you have young children try to decide who would be designated as their guardian.

§  Consider which assets, gifts and/or property you would like to give to each loved one.

§  Consider your funeral arrangements and how you would like things carried out following your death.

§  Consider updating your will when necessary as circumstances may change.

§  Consider hiring a family law attorney that has experience in estate planning.

The final tip is perhaps one of the most important as a simple will is a legally binding document.  As with all legal matters, it is important that you have a lawyer who can ensure your will upholds in court and that your wishes are carried out. 

Ready to create your simple will?  If so, contact Claery & Green and schedule a consultation with a Los Angeles family lawyer.

A simple will outlines how a person would like their assets, money, and property to be divided and distributed to their beneficiaries upon death. These types of wills are best for people whose total estate is valued at $100,000 or less.

For more complex estates or for estates valued at more than $100,000 it is best to create a trust and maybe a pour-over will in conjunction with that trust. Pour-over wills essentially protect those assets not included in a trust. If a person passes away without a pour-over will, the state of California will gain control over how their assets will be distributed amongst their beneficiaries. When a pour-over will has been created, those assets not included in the trust are poured into the will, protecting them from state intestacy laws.

Both simple wills and pour-over wills are excellent ways to protect your assets and save your loved ones the hassle and headache of probate. However, before drafting any type of will or trust, it’s best to consult an attorney. An experienced California estate planning lawyer at Claery & Green can review your estate to determine which type of will or trust would be best for you. Once you’ve decided which type of document you’d like to create you can depend on Claery & Green for help.   

Contact Claery & Green today by calling (877) 756-4111, or click here for a free case evaluation.