The Importance of Having a Basic Will
People do not like to think about the possibility of leaving this life but it is definitely going to happen to everyone.
Unfortunately, there is no time schedule so it can happen at any age.
That is why it is important to have a basic will whenever someone has assets or personal possessions they wish certain people to have after they are gone.
Even young people can make wills, although they are not recognized as legal documents if a person is under 18 years of age.
Perhaps they have a favorite collection or some other personal thing that they would like to leave to a friend.
Having this written out, putting it in a specific place and letting others know of its existence assures that his or her wishes are carried out.
Over time things change and it will be found that the collection is long gone but if a fatal event happens and it goes to the friend there is a long time memory of a dear friend.
Older people are fully aware of what these documents are and, sometimes, depending on their assets, have a long, complicated document that has a large number of pages.
This is necessary when there is a huge amount of assets involved that affects numerous lives.
However, that is not necessary with people of more limited means.
Perhaps there is a house, a couple of CD's and a small bank account involved.
This does not take a complicated document that requires a lawyer and payout of a large amount in fees.
The main thing the person, or persons involved, wants is that what they have goes to specific people.
This may be family, charitable organizations or other places.
It is possible to pick up a basic form in a stationery store and write out one's desires.
This needs to be notarized, with witnesses.
This should be done in duplicate with one copy being given to the executor of the estate and the other put in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box.
Family, or others, should be informed as to where the original is located.
However, each state has specific laws regarding this subject so it is important to do some research and find out what they are.
For example, in California the document must be typed or printed, signed by the person making the it and signed by two witnesses.
Neither of these witnesses can be beneficiaries in the will.
In all states a person making a valid will must be at least 18 years of age.
The executor of the document can be a relative, friend, bank or anyone that is chosen.
With a bank or lawyer there is a fee charged.
It is always a courtesy to include in the bequeaths a small amount that is to be given for their services when the executor is a relative or friend.
Many senior centers and other such locations now have lawyers who come in one day a week to help seniors make out wills.
These lawyers are pro bono, in other words they do not charge for their services.
This makes it very simple to make out a basic will as there is always a notary on hand as well as witnesses.
Unfortunately, there is no time schedule so it can happen at any age.
That is why it is important to have a basic will whenever someone has assets or personal possessions they wish certain people to have after they are gone.
Even young people can make wills, although they are not recognized as legal documents if a person is under 18 years of age.
Perhaps they have a favorite collection or some other personal thing that they would like to leave to a friend.
Having this written out, putting it in a specific place and letting others know of its existence assures that his or her wishes are carried out.
Over time things change and it will be found that the collection is long gone but if a fatal event happens and it goes to the friend there is a long time memory of a dear friend.
Older people are fully aware of what these documents are and, sometimes, depending on their assets, have a long, complicated document that has a large number of pages.
This is necessary when there is a huge amount of assets involved that affects numerous lives.
However, that is not necessary with people of more limited means.
Perhaps there is a house, a couple of CD's and a small bank account involved.
This does not take a complicated document that requires a lawyer and payout of a large amount in fees.
The main thing the person, or persons involved, wants is that what they have goes to specific people.
This may be family, charitable organizations or other places.
It is possible to pick up a basic form in a stationery store and write out one's desires.
This needs to be notarized, with witnesses.
This should be done in duplicate with one copy being given to the executor of the estate and the other put in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box.
Family, or others, should be informed as to where the original is located.
However, each state has specific laws regarding this subject so it is important to do some research and find out what they are.
For example, in California the document must be typed or printed, signed by the person making the it and signed by two witnesses.
Neither of these witnesses can be beneficiaries in the will.
In all states a person making a valid will must be at least 18 years of age.
The executor of the document can be a relative, friend, bank or anyone that is chosen.
With a bank or lawyer there is a fee charged.
It is always a courtesy to include in the bequeaths a small amount that is to be given for their services when the executor is a relative or friend.
Many senior centers and other such locations now have lawyers who come in one day a week to help seniors make out wills.
These lawyers are pro bono, in other words they do not charge for their services.
This makes it very simple to make out a basic will as there is always a notary on hand as well as witnesses.
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