Your Last Will And Testament Is Important To Your Estate Plan
Whether you consider yourself to be wealthy, middle-class or low-income, you have an estate. You’ve worked hard for the assets you own, and you deserve to determine what happens to them when you pass away. That’s the power and purpose of estate planning, and a last will and testament is often considered the cornerstone of a comprehensive plan.
At Davis-Morris Law Firm, I, Angela Davis-Morris, offer customized estate planning solutions for clients throughout South-Central Mississippi. My team and I can create a personalized and complete estate plan that addresses all of your needs and goals.
A Will Puts You In Control Of Your Assets
If you die without a will, Mississippi law will determine how, when and to whom your assets will be distributed. The state may not pass your assets to the people you care about or in the way you would prefer.
Assets will pass through your will to your loved ones if the will is properly written and executed. That last caveat is important. In some cases, a poorly written or unclear will can be worse than no will at all. It may create confusion and conflict among family members, leading to will contests. Avoiding expensive estate litigation is one of many reasons to work with an experienced will attorney like me.
What Can Be Included In Your Will?
The benefits of a will are numerous, providing assurance that your legacy is preserved and your loved ones are cared for. My team and I can help you draft a will that covers all essential elements, including:
Naming beneficiaries: Specify who will inherit your assets, such as property, money and personal items. This can include family, friends or charitable organizations.
Appointing an executor: When you write a will, you can name someone to manage your estate after your death (commonly called an executor or personal representative). Choose a trustworthy individual to manage your estate, ensuring your instructions are followed and assets are distributed appropriately.
Guardianship for minors: If you have minor children, you can make specific bequests and name guardians to care for them in your absence. This would be used in cases where their other parent died at the same time or was otherwise not a part of their lives.
Specific bequests: Identify particular items or amounts of money you wish to leave to certain individuals. For instance, you can also establish provisions for disabled beneficiaries.
In some cases, your will can outline how outstanding debts and taxes should be paid, safeguarding your beneficiaries from unexpected financial burdens.
Make Your Will Part Of A Comprehensive Estate Plan
A last will and testament serves many purposes as part of a complete estate plan. It does not, however, avoid probate and generally requires a court to resolve your affairs. It also does not take effect until after death, so it does not help manage your affairs if you become incapacitated, whether by illness or injury.
If any of these concerns are important to you, give yourself peace of mind by consulting an experienced estate planning attorney. At Davis-Morris Law Firm, you can trust me and my team to provide you with the support you need throughout the entire estate planning process. I am here to answer your questions and address your concerns so that you can feel confident in your decisions.
Don’t Wait To Get Started On Securing Your Future
From my Hattiesburg office, I assist clients throughout South-Central Mississippi. To schedule a consultation, just call 601-602-8874 or complete the online contact form to get in touch.