Why do I need a will?
A will is quite important. It simply provides directions to divide your estate and distribute your possessions. If you were to die without a will (intestate), your possessions could be allocated by the state and your family could face significant legal issues, including infighting. When you declare who should benefit from your estate, you save everyone a lot of trouble so they can focus on the important things, like healing. You can pass almost everything from significant assets to small tokens of personality. Some of the assets you can pass include:
- Real Estate
- Securities
- Personal belongings
- Bank accounts
Drafting a will
There are some requirements in New York to how one must execute a will. Once a will is drafted with the help of an attorney, the will must be signed and witnessed by at least 2 individuals. During the signing, the witnesses must be present and understand, through the declaration of the signer, that they are at a will signing and the subject has full capacity to sign this testamentary document. In some cases, the witnesses will sign a document to attest to what they witnessed. Once a will is executed properly, it is a document that can be filed and probated.
Contact a Suffolk County estate planning attorney
For over 25 years, The Law Offices of Susan A. Kassel, P.C. has guided clients through all estate planning and administration matters. We understand that discussing these hard topics can be too much and we are ready to guide you through. Estate planning is an important step to take when thinking about the future. Though it may be difficult to discuss, when you’re ready to address this matter, we are too. For a consultation to discuss the future of your estate, contact The Law Offices of Susan A. Kassel, P.C.