A will is an essential element of any estate plan. Unfortunately, too many people resist making a will until some crisis prompts them to. At Patterson Law LLC in Fort Wayne, we understand that end-of-life issues aren’t easy to talk about, but we’ve also seen the downside of failing to plan. When a loved one passes away without a will, state law dictates how assets are distributed. With a will, you make a final statement of affection to your loved ones and spare them stress during the time they are grieving your loss. We believe that executing a will is an act of love. If you’re ready to protect the future of your family and friends, our dedicated attorney is ready to help.
There are many practical and emotional reasons why every adult should have a will:
If you have a complex estate, you might want to add other estate planning tools, such as a combination of trusts. But a will is the foundational document you must execute.
It’s important to note that when you name a guardian in your will, you are not legally appointing that person to serve — only a court can do that. However, naming a guardian is a strong expression of your preference and your confidence in the individual(s) you select. A court will weigh your choice heavily, especially if your children are too young to express their preference.
It’s important to see an attorney to draft your will professionally and according to state law. Without reliable legal advice, you make yourself vulnerable to errors that could invalidate your will in whole or in part, such as:
Our estate planning attorney has the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process and draft the will in language that is clear, concise and actionable.
Once you have executed your will, it’s important to keep it current. You should plan to update your will once every three to five years and whenever there is a significant change in your circumstances. Reasons to amend a will include:
Amending and updating your will is easy but must be done according to Indiana law to be valid. Under certain circumstances, revising a will can raise suspicions that it is invalid. Disappointed heirs may attempt to challenge the will in court, causing hard feelings and running up costs for all involved. Our firm can help you avoid such complications.
At Patterson Law LLC, we draft effective wills for clients in Fort Wayne and vicinity. To schedule a consultation, please call 260-247-8383 or contact us online.