Don't Let These Provisions Negatively Affect Your Will

8 April 2019
Categories: Law, Blog

Many people don't realize that not everything can be addressed in a last will and testament. If you try to make your will a catch-all for every little thing, you could end up invalidating the entire will. To be on the safe (and legal) side, allow a probate or estate attorney to assist in you creating a will that covers your property, debts, bequests, and anything else that fits there. If you are interested, read on to find about some issues that are best not addressed in a will.

Bequests with Conditions

It's not technically illegal to add conditional riders onto bequests, but some conditions may be. A conditional bequest is where you designate property to be given to someone only if certain conditions are met. For example, you might provide a sum of money to a granddaughter when they graduate college. While this might seem like a good idea on the surface, conditional bequests can unfairly burden those inheriting funds and may be illegal in some states.

Taking Care of Fido

To say that pets are a part of the family is an understatement. Many pet owners just naturally wish to ensure that the beloved dogs, cats, birds, and other animals they leave behind are cared for in their absence. While the impulse is laudable, you cannot leave property to a pet using your will. You can, however, make provisions for that pet using either a will or a trust. If you use a will, you can designate a trusted family member or friend to receive the pet as a bequeath. Animals are considered property and can be left to beneficiaries just like a home or a car can. Another relatively recent idea is to use a special type of trust to address the needs of the pet. A person is appointed caregiver of the pet and a sum of money is set aside from the trust for their care.

Final Arrangements

Many people use their will to make clear their final wishes. Unfortunately, that may not be the best way to ensure that your wishes are known. Wills are sometimes not located or read until after the burial. For example, if your will has been left in the safe deposit box at the bank and it's a long holiday weekend, it might be several days before the will can be accessed. Instead, place your plans in an easy-to-find location, or make arrangements directly with the funeral home.

Go to sites like https://www.linskylaw.com to learn more.

About Me

I have worked as a legal office assistant for about 20 years. The office specializes in personal injury claims, and many clients are looking for settlements. I have great compassion for the individuals I see, and most people are looking for money to pay their bills. Unfortunately, insurance claims are difficult and clients often file the wrong paperwork. They don't see many doctors due to costs, and settlement offers are generally low. I know that lawyers can help to raise claims substantially. They know the law and they can offer advice to clients so good results are seen. I want you to learn some basic information about personal injuries, insurance settlements, and the general claims process. Your rights and needs are important, but it's difficult to secure a settlement if you know nothing about the law. Gain some knowledge today, so your personal injury decisions are the right ones.