Make sure that your will is valid 

On Behalf of | Oct 14, 2022 | Estate Planning

Estate planning is often perceived as a morbid topic, but in truth, it can actually bring happiness and security to you and your loved ones. There’s so much that can be done with a comprehensive estate plan. 

One of the key components of any estate plan is the will, which outlines your final wishes in terms of who your assets should be left with. You can also designate legal guardians for your children if that’s relevant to you. 

All of this relies upon your will being drafted properly. An inauthentic or inaccurate will can cause all kinds of problems further down the line. Here’s what you need to remember to ensure that your will remains valid. 

Execute it properly 

In Washington state, the testator must be at least 18 years of age before they are legally permitted to draft a will. At the signing of the document, there must also be two reliable witnesses present. The testator must be fully aware of the consequences of what they are doing. In other words, they must have both the mental and legal capacity to draft the will. 

The will must also be drafted in accordance with the relevant statutes. This can be problematic when individuals attempt to draft a will on their own without seeking any kind of assistance. Usually, the templates for DIY wills are found online and comprise a more generic format than is required by law. 

Destroying previous documents 

Usually, if two wills are found, then the most recent document will hold more weight legally. Nonetheless, this isn’t always the case and it’s much better to avoid this issue altogether by ensuring that outdated documents are destroyed appropriately. 

One of the best ways to avoid disputes over your will is to obtain legal guidance when drafting it. This can help ensure that your legacy remains intact and your assets are distributed according to your wishes.