Your Will

Your will is a legally-binding statement directing who will receive your property at your death. It also appoints a legal representative to carry out your wishes. However, the will covers only probate property. Many types of property or forms of ownership pass outside of probate. Jointly-owned property, property in trust, life insurance proceeds and property with a named beneficiary, such as IRAs or 401(k) plans, all pass outside of probate.

Why should you have a will? Here are some reasons:

First, with a will you can direct where and to whom your estate (what you own) will go after your death. If you died intestate (without a will), your estate would be distributed according to your state's law. Such distribution may or may not accord with your wishes.

Many people try to avoid probate and the need for a will by holding all of their property jointly with their children. This can work, but often people spend unnecessary effort trying to make sure all the joint accounts remain equally distributed among their children. These efforts can be defeated by a long-term illness of the parent or the death of a child. A will can be a much simpler means of effecting one's wishes about how assets should be distributed.

The second reason to have a will is to make the administration of your estate run smoothly. Often the probate process can be completed more quickly and at less expense to your estate if there is a will. With a clear expression of your wishes, there are unlikely to be any costly, time-consuming disputes over who gets what.

Third, only with a will can you choose the person to administer your estate and distribute it according to your instructions. This person is called your "executor" (or "executrix" if you appoint a woman) or "personal representative," depending on your state's statute. If you do not have a will naming him or her, the court will make the choice for you. Usually the court appoints the first person to ask for the post, whoever that may be.

Fourth, for larger estates, a well-planned will can help reduce estate taxes.

Fifth, and most important, through a will you can appoint who will take your place as guardian of your minor children should both you and their other parent both pass away.

Filling out the questionnaire in this web site will help you make decisions about what to put in your will. Bring it and any additional notes to your lawyer and he or she will be able to efficiently prepare a will that meets your needs and desires

Send mail to maberasturi@yahoo.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 12/21/06

Mark G. Aberasturi, a New York elder law lawyer and estate planning attorney, focuses his law practice on Elder Law and Probate, Estates, Wills and Medicaid Trusts, Living Trusts, Supplemental Needs Trusts, Living Wills and Estate Tax.  Mr. Aberasturi provides legal advice on matters involving Medicaid, Medicare and nursing homes.  Mr. Aberasturi is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, The New York State Bar Association Elder Law Section, and is former chairman of the Orange County, New York Bar Association Elder Law Committee.  His practice is located in Goshen, Orange County New York.

 

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