One of the most important steps in making a will is having it witnessed. Whether your will is typed, handwritten, or electronic, without the signatures of witnesses it will not be legally valid. But you have to be careful who you choose to be your...
Spiders, ghosts, and skeletons abound this time of year. And while most people enjoy scary things like haunted houses and horror movies, they often harbor secret fears. Being afraid to write a will is one of them. But don’t worry—there’s nothing scary about estate planning...
Careful estate planning is crucial if you want to secure your legacy and make sure your assets end up in the right hands at the right time. But drafting an estate plan can be overwhelming for many, and it may be tempting to turn to...
Modern technology has transformed the way we do almost everything, estate planning included. In 2018, Arizona became the third state to recognize electronic wills, or “e-wills,” as valid. An e-will functions the same as a hardcopy will, but it is a digital file instead of...
Everyone needs a will. If you die without one, then the court gets to decide who inherits your property and who gets to care for your children. But what should you include in your will, and what should you leave out? In this post, we...
Getting specific is always important in estate planning, but it is especially crucial when it comes to blended families. Because a stepchild cannot automatically inherit from a stepparent, you must create or update your estate plan as soon as stepchildren enter your life. Neglecting to...
No one wants to think about the possibility of leaving their child an orphan. But life is unpredictable, and although you can’t prevent the worst from happening, you can be prepared for it. Unless you name a guardian in your will, the state will choose...
A properly drafted will can help ensure your assets are properly distributed after you’re gone. Your will should include your appointed executor, named guardians for minors, as well as a list of your assets and beneficiaries. But there are many things that are either unnecessary,...
Drafting a will is an important first step in settling your affairs. But with so many types of wills out there, it can be overwhelming to know which one will be right for you. Luckily, you don’t have to choose just one—you can write several...
Have you ever wondered exactly what it means to be named as the executor of an estate? An executor has many important duties to carry out, and understanding what the executor of an estate has to do can help you make better choices. We put...