Preparing a will is an important part of taking care of your estate upon your death. You will need the legal services of an estate planning attorney to have this matter arranged, and you may feel overwhelmed if you do not know what to expect at this appointment. It is important that you gather all necessary documents, know what questions to ask and how to find the best estate attorney, for your specific situation.
What Documents Do I Need?
You will need several important documents, including marriage and birth certificates, bank account information, life insurance information, property ownership documents, funeral pre-arrangement documents and investment portfolio information. Having all of these things ready to go at your appointment can make the entire visit easier. You should aim to start looking for all these papers a few weeks before your appointment to ensure that you have everything you need. You can bring everything in a secure folder so you can be sure you do not lose anything.
How Do I Find an Attorney?
When looking for an estate planning attorney, there are a few referral sources you can use. You can ask friends and family members who they recommend. You can also do a quick web search to find reviews and information about different attorneys. Take advantage of all the resources that are now available on the internet; you have access to almost anything you want to find out about a certain attorney. Be sure that you choose one that specializes specifically in estate law.
What Questions Should I Ask?
When making a will for the first time, you likely do not know exactly what you should be asking. You should ask how you go about making changes to your will if necessary. You should also find out how to contact your attorney if you have additional questions. It is important to know how your relatives will contact your attorney after your death, so be sure that you leave his or her contact information with your next of kin.
Making provisions for your estate after you are gone is important for anyone who has any property or assets. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can be on your way to creating a will that is legally sound. Preparing now for your loved ones will make the process of dividing your estate much easier, and you can have peace of mind that your affairs are in order.