Things to Keep in Mind When Writing Your Will
Writing a will looks like a simple procedure, but it is really not. There is a lot that you need to consider when writing a will. A huge array of important decisions are involved and everyone should know about it to avoid hassles in future. Needless to say, it is a very sensitive issue.
You have to be very careful with respect to your children, assets, and business. Once done, the entire process is worth every effort. After all, its you who should be deciding about your property and not anyone else.
Below is everything you need to consider when writing your will.
- Identify Your Assets
Before you get to the real thing, make sure you are well aware of all aspects of every asset under your name. This includes your bank accounts, investments, credit cards, retirement funds, etc. You can only make a conscious decision if you are able to recognize your assets. In the modern world, people also include biological and digital assets.
Although its fine to keep the information you compile safe and secured, it must be accessible for your family. You wouldn’t want your family to go through the struggle of visiting courts and all to access the information you saved.
- Joint Property Does Not Include
Let’s say you have a joint property with your spouse. Now it is important to know that this will not be included in your will because it will be passed onto the surviving partner keeping in mind the legal rules and regulations. It can only be passed through a will if it is under your name only. Property that falls under tenancy is also passed through the will.
- Be Wise When Choosing Guardians and Trustee
Naming your children’s legal guardians is also an important part of the process that needs to be taken care of. It is advisable to not choose the same person as a trustee and the legal guardian. It is better to not have a single person in charge of everything.
There is absolutely no need of a trustee if you have older children. It is ideal to consult a professional regarding how to create a trustee of will. They can guide you in a much better way than simply relying on guess games.
- Beneficiaries of Your Will
Your spouse, children, charities or your extended family are the most common types of beneficiaries. For married people, property goes to the spouse on their passing away. Even then you should plan out the whole thing to avoid any unfavorable circumstances.
If you have everything sorted, then it will be easier to get out of unexpected scenarios such as you could be remarried and have children from both marriages.
It is ideal to put everything in your will to avoid last minute conflicts between your families.
All of these things may seem like they are too much to handle, but it is going to save your family from a great deal of hassle in future.