Writing your will isn’t something you should put off until later in life, and that’s largely because you never know what life has in store for you. In preparing for your future, it’s also important to consult a lawyer for wills and trusts near the Twin Cities. While you can download a formulaic will from many websites, there are certain estate planning services that only a skilled attorney can do for you.
Ensure Your Will is Legally Binding
Unfortunately, death brings out the worst in people, and it’s not uncommon for family members to try to contest a will. If you write a will that contains errors, your final wishes may not be respected. A lawyer will draft a legally binding will for you to ensure it will stand up to close scrutiny after your death.
Take Care of Your Minor Children
Your attorney can also help you arrange for the custody of minor children in the event of your death. If you don’t establish a legally binding chain of custody for your children, the court may hold a hearing to determine guardianship. You can avoid this by asking your lawyer to appoint the person you choose to take over the care of your children after your death.
Keep the Probate Process Brief
A lawyer for wills and trusts near the Twin Cities can also help you limit the assets that can be liquidated during probate. This is especially important when you want specific assets to go to your spouse or children. You can set up a living trust and other legal documents to help you limit how long your estate spends in probate. When you work with an estate planning attorney, you can ensure all of your final wishes will be respected.
