Your Winter Park, will lawyer can help you protect your future, but you have to be sure you’re working with a legal team you can count on. At Hirani Law, we have nearly 50 years of legal experience with estate planning, business law, and real estate law. Now, we’re ready to help you. Read on to see what makes a will legally binding, and contact a last will lawyer from our team to get started.
Put Your Wishes In Writing
A valid will must be written down. While it might seem easier to simply talk about your wishes with family members, verbal statements are not legally recognized in most situations. Putting everything in writing creates a clear record of your intentions. The document should include details about how your property will be divided, who will serve as executor, and any other instructions you want carried out.
Choose Witnesses Carefully
Most states require at least two witnesses to be present when you sign your will. These witnesses must also sign the document, verifying that they saw you create it willingly and that you were of sound mind at the time. Witnesses should not be people who stand to benefit from the will, as this can raise questions about whether they influenced your decisions. Having neutral witnesses helps protect the validity of the will and reduces the chances of a legal dispute.
Sign And Date The Document
Your signature and the date of signing are necessary to make the will valid. This step confirms that you approved the contents of the document. Without a signature, the will could be considered incomplete, making it much easier for someone to challenge its legitimacy.
Consider A Notarized Affidavit
In some cases, adding a notarized affidavit can make the process smoother. This is a signed statement, verified by a notary, that confirms the witnesses were present and understood the signing process. While this step may not be required in every state, it can help prevent disputes by making it harder for anyone to question the will later.
Review And Update As Life Changes
Even if your will is valid today, life changes can make it outdated. Marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or acquiring new property are all reasons to review and revise your will. Keeping it up to date helps avoid confusion and keeps your wishes clear.
Work With A Trusted Professional
Because state laws can vary, it is helpful to work with an estate distribution lawyer who understands the requirements in your area. They can guide you through the process and help you create a document that fully meets legal standards. This not only makes the will valid but also gives you confidence that your intentions will be carried out as you planned.
Contact Us Today
At Hirani Law, we know how important it is to have a will that is both clear and enforceable. Our team works closely with clients to create documents that reflect their wishes and protect their families. Plus, with experience that includes business and real estate law, we can help you protect the assets that make up your legacy. Contact us today, and see how an inheritance lawyer from our team can make a difference.