3 Important Components To Include in Your Will

Thinking about death can seem morbid to many people. Unfortunately, this aversion to death can prevent someone from taking the time to complete the estate planning process.



A will is one of the most basic documents included in any estate. Your will can help ensure that your estate is distributed according to your wishes following your passing. Your will can also help prevent family disputes that can compromise relationships between your surviving loved ones.

Many important pieces of information need to be included in a will in order for the document to stand up in court. Your attorney can help you identify and incorporate these pieces of information into your will.

Here are three important components that your attorney will help you address and include in your will to ensure your estate is handled properly after your death.

1. Disposition of Assets

Since the primary purpose of a will is to name the individuals who will inherit your estate, you must outline each of your assets within your will.

An experienced estate planning attorney will be able to help you create a list of your major financial assets. These assets can include items like your bank accounts, any real estate you hold title to, and vehicles that you own outright.

You will also want to work with your attorney to identify any valuable personal items you wish to bequeath as part of your estate. People commonly include items like artwork, jewelry, clothing, firearms, and technology as assets in their will.

Once you have compiled a list of your assets, you can name the individual who will inherit each of these assets. Including a thorough disposition of assets in your will can help prevent any misunderstandings between family members and ensure that your belongings end up in the right hands following your death.

2. Guardianship Provisions

You must consider any guardianship provisions that need to be included in your will as you go through the estate planning process. Many people believe that guardianship provisions apply only to living minor children, but this isn't the case. You can also appoint a guardian to provide care for any beloved pets in your care.

The guardian that you appoint in your will should be someone who is able and willing to care for your children or pets following the event of your death. It's important to discuss guardianship responsibilities with that individual before including them in your will.

Have your potential guardian meet with you and your attorney to create a detailed guardianship arrangement that can be clearly stated in your will to eliminate any possible misunderstandings regarding your children or pets after you pass away.

3. Naming of an Executor

All wills must include a named executor. It is the responsibility of the executor to oversee the fulfillment of the will.

The executor will be tasked with paying off any debts or taxes owed by the estate, offering up the will for the state probate court to examine, and distributing the assets according to the instructions provided in the will.

Many people choose a close friend or family member to act as their executor. Be sure that your named executor is prepared and willing to take on the responsibility of fulfilling your will.

Your attorney may suggest that you provide the name of a backup executor in your will. Having a named backup executor will give that person the legal right to take over the responsibility of fulfilling your will if the primary executor is unwilling or unable to do so.

The help of a reputable attorney is invaluable when preparing a will. Contact Maxwell Law Firm for help with all of your estate planning needs.