A will is one of the most important documents you may ever think about. Continue reading to learn more about creating a will and what our New York City will attorneys can do for you.
What is a will?
A will is a legal document declaring how your assets will be divided and property will be distributed in the event of your passing. It also allows individuals to designate specific people to be in charge of their estate.
There are a lot of misconceptions regarding wills. One of these misconceptions is that you only need a will if you are older. This is not true, because anyone over the age of 18 with property or assets would benefit from creating a will.
Parties Appointed in a Will
You must select a number of people to execute your final wishes and carry out any responsibilities left on your behalf. Some of the most critical aspects of a will are as follows:
- Executor: You will appoint an executor who will administer your estate. They will ensure your assets are distributed according to your will, and also be in charge of closing your estate. Your executor must be someone who you trust fully and can rely on to take on these responsibilities.
- A guardian for minor children: This person will have the duty of caring for and raising your child in the instance that you and your other parent become unable to do so on your own. The court will have to appoint a guardian to raise your child if you fail to do so in your will.
- Beneficiaries: Beneficiaries are the people you select to receive your assets upon your passing. Your executor will then ensure that your beneficiaries receive those assets.
Do I Need an Attorney to Create My Will?
Creating a will without the help of an estate planning attorney may seem easier and cheaper, but this could cause a number of problems. Your will can be found invalid if it is created or filed incorrectly. This means your assets will be distributed by the state of New York, rather than by your wishes. This can cause a lot of stress and tension for beneficiaries, who now have to fight over certain assets.
Reach out to our New York City wills, trusts & estate attorneys today so we can get started.
Contact Our New York City Firm
Zimmet Law Group, P.C. is an experienced team of attorneys guiding clients through matters of estate planning and administration, divorce and family law, real estate, commercial litigation, business law, bankruptcy, and landlord-tenant law. If you require the services of an effective New York City attorney, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.