Minneapolis Business Lawyer

Wills

A will is a legal document by which a person regulates the rights over their family and property after death. Anyone can draft their own will without the assistance of an attorney once they reach the age their country legally considers them an adult. However, several strict requirements exist for the will to be a legal and binding document. The person creating the will, also known as the testator, must clearly identify themselves as the maker of the will. Additionally, the testator must revoke all previous wills, demonstrate he or she has the capacity to dispose of property, sign and date the will, and the signature must occur at the very end of the document. Any written instructions following the signature will be considered invalidated.

Although wills can be drafted without the aid of a lawyer, several pitfalls exist to home-made versions. Without a lawyer present, technical deficiencies or shortcomings in legal jargon of the testator might limit their ability to clearly define their wishes, causing after death disputes among loved ones. Seemingly unimportant details, such as failing to include the words “last will and testament” on the face of the document, can nullify a will, creating a confusing disaster after death. If a will is invalidated in probate proceedings, the possessions of the deceased will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy.

If you have any questions or concerns about your will, contact the Minneapolis Business Lawyer at Skjold Barthel today to make sure your after death wishes are carried out correctly.