Huntersville Wills Lawyer

Huntersville Wills Attorney

Estate planning can be a difficult process to undertake, but it is a crucial part of protecting your assets and your loved ones. Failing to create a will and other estate plans can make your death much harder on your loved ones and could negatively impact how your assets are distributed. Once you decide to create a will, it is important that you complete the process correctly. A Huntersville wills lawyer can help translate your final wishes into a legally binding document.

Competent Will Lawyer in Huntersville

The Thomas & Webber team understands the value of a comprehensive estate plan that includes a will. We can help you explore your options and recommend routes that offer the most protection while minimizing estate and inheritance taxes for families. With a commitment to professionalism and first-class service, our team can be a valuable resource for will creation, as well as estate planning, trusts, living wills, or a medical power of attorney.

Creating a Will in North Carolina

A last will and testament is a flexible document that is used to outline what you would like to happen with your property and assets following your death. If you die without a will in place, your property and assets will be subject to the North Carolina law of intestacy. Even if your family believes these laws differ from your preferred distribution, they will have little recourse to fight the intestate laws.

Within a will, you can address multiple assets and topics, including:

• Checking and savings accounts
• Stocks and bonds
• Real estate not held in joint tenancy
• Vehicles
• Businesses
• Guardianship for children
• Naming a person to manage assets left to minors
• The will’s executor
• Gifts to charity

A will is typically one part of an estate plan. In some instances, a will may meet your needs as a standalone document, but often, it serves as a building block to a comprehensive estate plan.

Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Will

When creating your will, it is important that you avoid making mistakes. Though some mistakes can be easily remedied, others can have significant consequences, such as confusion, additional costs, and property distribution delays for your family. Potential mistakes that are commonly made when creating or updating a will include:

• An unsigned will: One of the legal requirements for a valid will in North Carolina is the creator’s signature. It is also good practice to sign the will in the presence of two witnesses, though you can attach a self-proving affidavit to the will to make the probate process easier.
• Keeping the will a secret: Once the will is created, it is important to tell someone you trust about the will and where it is kept. 52% of adult children are unaware of where their parents keep their wills and other estate documents. If the document cannot be found or is not filed, then probate will continue as if a will was not created at all.
• Not seeking legal help: Numerous DIY will solutions can be found online, but there are potential pitfalls to this option. A will is a legal document, and any mistakes while creating or altering it can invalidate it. Seeking the support of a skilled legal professional can help you ensure the document is legally binding and less likely to be challenged.

Hire a Wills Lawyer With Thomas & Webber

Wills are diverse documents that allow for a wide range of inclusions. Thomas & Webber can listen to your needs and help you create a document that meets those needs. In addition to our thorough legal knowledge, we are also:

• Professionals: We can approach your will and estate plan with professionalism. The Thomas & Webber team holds itself to high standards and aims to meet those standards with every client.
• Supportive: In addition to wills, we can also help you with other parts of your estate plan, including living wills, advance directives, and medical power of attorney.
• Supportive: We understand that end-of-life planning can be emotionally difficult, and beginning the process can feel intimidating. We can help you through this challenging process.

FAQs

Do I Need a Will in Huntersville?

In Huntersville, it is recommended that any adult have a will in place. Accidents can happen, and leaving your family without a document stating your preferences can make the loss even harder. Only 32% of adult Americans report having a will, but a will is a relatively easy way to create a plan for your end-of-life wishes. An experienced Huntersville will attorney can help you create or update a valid, legally-binding will.

What Can Go in a Will in Huntersville, NC?

Wills are flexible and adaptable documents that can incorporate a wide range of end-of-life terms. Distribution of personal property and real estate can be specified in a will, but that is far from the only condition that can be stated. Things like guardianship for children, business ownership, gifts to charity, and pet ownership can also be stated in a will.

What Happens if a Mistake Is Made When Making a Will?

The outcome of a mistake when writing a will depends on the type of mistake and when it is discovered. If a mistake is made before the creator dies, then they can create a new will or amend the current will to correct it. If the mistake is found after the creator’s death, then the type and severity of the mistake will impact what happens. That portion of the will may be discarded, or the entire will may be invalidated.

Can I Make a Will on My Own?

It is possible for you to write a valid will without legal support, but it is often not recommended. There are routes to make your own will, but it is possible to make mistakes that can invalidate the entire will. Additionally, working with an experienced will attorney can help you ensure your wishes are stated clearly and that the document is used to its full potential.

Connect With a Qualified Huntersville Will Lawyer

If you need to create or amend a will in northern Mecklenburg County, then Thomas & Webber is here to help. Our team has years of experience supporting our community while they create their end-of-life plans. When you need estate planning services, reach out to our team to schedule a consultation.