How to Write a Will in Hilton Head, South Carolina
When it comes to writing a will, the best first step you can take is to contact a wills and trusts lawyer in Hilton Head, South Carolina. A wills and trusts lawyer can help you understand which assets may be able to pass to loved ones outside your will, allowing you to avoid the probate process, and can help you decide whether establishing a trust is a better alternative to writing a will. A wills and trust lawyer like the attorneys at the Jolley Law Group in Hilton Head, South Carolina can help you write your will. Having a will that isn’t properly written, signed, or drafted can be costly to your beneficiaries during the probate process. Not only could disputes arise, but the type of estate plan you choose can have implications for your loved one’s tax burden and other fees. What should be included in a will? You’ll need:
- To name an executor to manage your estate; this is the person who will take the will to probate after you pass away.
- To name and list your assets and property.
- To name and list beneficiaries.
- To name which assets will go to which beneficiaries.
- To name minor children and identify whom you would like to serve as their guardian.
- To identify pets and include provisions to ensure your pets will be cared for by someone you trust. In most states, pets are considered property, so this can have implications for how you handle this.
- To property sign the will, and make sure there are appropriate witnesses present.
These are just some of the things that you’ll need to include in your will. Every person’s situation is unique. For example, there may be property that doesn’t have financial value but has sentimental value that you’ll want to account for. If you need to update or revise a will, a wills and trusts lawyer in Hilton Head, South Carolina may be able to help you as well. While there is software out there to help you write your will, individuals with more complicated estate situations should use caution. Mistakes in a will can cost your family members down the road. Have questions? Reach out to the Jolley Law Group, a wills and trusts law firm in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Trust Attorneys in Hilton Head, South Carolina
The trust attorneys at the Jolley Law Group in Hilton Head, South Carolina may be able to assist you if you need assistance establishing a trust. A trust can be more costly to maintain than a will, but it may be a good alternative for some individuals and families, especially when it comes to avoiding probate fees and offering tax incentives. With a trust, you may be able to avoid probate, and save your family money. A trust can sometimes offer more control in how money is distributed to beneficiaries, something that may be important to consider if you plan to give property or money to a disabled loved one (who receives government benefits) or to a person for whom you have concerns about money management abilities. For example, a disabled loved one who receives government benefits could possibly lose these benefits if their inheritance isn’t properly managed. Have questions about whether a trust is right for you or your family? The Hilton Head SC trust lawyers at the Jolley Law Group are here to help you. We can answer your questions and help you with establishing a trust if it is right for you.
Will Dispute Lawyers in Hilton Head, South Carolina
Getting a will right during estate planning can often prevent disputes about the will after you pass away. Properly witnessing and signing the will, and being clear about your intentions can go a long way to avoiding conflict during the probate process. Nevertheless, sometimes conflicts arise. If your family is facing a will dispute, or probate dispute, or estate litigation, the will dispute lawyers in Hilton Head, South Carolina may be able to help you. Our attorneys can review the details of the dispute and work with you to resolve the dispute either inside or outside court.