Last Will & Testament
Related Legal Information

OUR LEGAL INFORMATION WILL HELP YOU TO BETTER UNDERSTAND A LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT RELATED ISSUES.

Benefits of Preparing a Will.
Most people know that a will lets them determine who will receive their property when they die. Despite this significant benefit, relatively few people have wills.
 
If you die without a will, your property will be distributed according to ...   More details

Beyond Your Will and Trust 1.
The most well known estate planning tools are wills and trusts. A will tells what happens to much of your property after death. It is a writing that says who you want to receive your property and how your possessions will be divided. It may also name ...   More details

Beyond Your Will and Trust 2.
Gifts given to loved ones, friends or charities while you are alive don't become part of your estate, since that property no longer belongs to you. Many people arrange for "planned gifts" as part of their estate planning activities. Planned ...   More details

Common Misconceptions about Dying Intestate.
You may falsely assume that if you are married and have children all your assets will automatically go to your wife when you die intestate. This is not the case. Most states have what is called a preferential share, an amount that your spouse is enti ...   More details

Dying Intestate.
When a person dies without a valid will or if a valid will cannot be located, it is called dying intestate. Every state has statutory rules governing who gets what if this should happen. ...   More details

Elements of a Will.
Here are the basic elements generally included in a will:
 
• Your name and place of residence • A brief description of your assets • Names of spouse, children and other beneficiaries, such as charities or friends • Alternate benefic ...   More details

Everyone Needs One a Will.
Although wills are simple to create, about half of all Americans die without one (or intestate). Without a will to indicate your wishes, the court steps in and distributes your property according to the laws of your state. Wills are not just for the ...   More details

Guardianship of Minor Children.
A will gives parents of minor children a chance to nominate a guardian. The court makes the final decision when appointing a guardian for your children after your death, but the court will usually accept your nomination. ...   More details

How To Change Your Will.
There are specific procedures for changing a will. So if you want to make a change, do not simply cross out the part you want to delete and write in your changes. Your changes may not be honored, and you could even void the entire will.
 
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If you don't have a lst will, a court decides who gets your assets.
A last will is a device that lets you tell the world who you want to get your assets. Die without one, and the state decides who gets what, without regard to your wishes or your heirs' needs.
 
So-called intestacy laws vary considerably fr ...   More details