Wills can dictate how your personal property and assets will be distributed at the time of your death. A will can prevent confusion and conflict among family members and friends who may have unrealistic expectations about receiving an inheritance.
Without a will, your assets may have to go through lengthy and costly probate processes in Georgia courts. You can protect your interests, as well as those of your spouse and children through a properly drafted will.
The Essentials of a Will
A will is a legal document that lets you and your partner establish control over your assets, property, and other aspects of your personal estate. You can decide how those assets will be managed and distributed during and after your lifetime.
You can use your will to divide financial accounts between children and other family members. A will lets you state how real estate property should be distributed, making it easy for you to pass along assets to others.
Without a will, the state of Georgia will determine how your assets will be distributed after your death. During this probate process, a court judge assigns someone as the executor of your estate.
If you have a will in place, make sure that it is valid in the state of Georgia. Updating your will periodically is one of the best ways to make sure that it reflects your wishes while confirming its validity over time.
The Importance of a Will in Marriage
There are legal considerations you need to make in order to protect you and your spouse’s financial and personal interests. Each person is legally entitled to some percentage of their spouse’s assets after their death.
But establishing a will can help you outline your own terms for how your personal property and financial assets will be distributed.
If you established your will before you were married, it’s a good idea to draft a new one. The introduction of a new spouse can impact the terms outlined in the will that was established before you were married.
Establishing a Valid Will in Georgia
Consulting with a family law attorney is the first step to ensuring that your wishes are carried out. You can decide how you want your property and financial assets to be distributed to loved ones and protect the interests of you and your spouse.
A will must be put in writing and include your name, place of residence, date of birth, and other personal information. Other information required as part of your will includes your spouse’s name as well as the location and date of your marriage.
If you have living children who plan to receive an inheritance from you, you’ll need to provide their names as well.
Your attorney can help you appoint an individual who will serve as the representative of your estate and its assets. Your will must also include a comprehensive list of your financial assets and personal property you plan to pass along to your loved ones.
A will can protect you and your spouse’s financial and personal interests in a marriage. An experienced family law attorney can help you draft a will that meets your needs and protects you and your spouse’s interests for the future.