What Information Should Be Included in a Will?

Creating a will is an important step in anyone’s life, and you need to make sure that you get it right and that there is nothing that can cause confusion or fighting among your family members. Fortunately, a Des Moines wills lawyer from our firm is more than capable of helping you with that and the rest of your estate planning needs. Here is what you need to know before you begin this process.

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Do I Really Need a Will?

A will is not just something that old people need. If you have any significant assets at all, like real estate or investment accounts, you should have a plan for what happens to them if you were to pass away. When you have a will, you can choose who gets what. If you pass away without one, it’s not a guarantee that your last wishes will be honored.

What Are the First Steps to Making a Will?

When you do decide to make a will, you first need to do an inventory of all of your assets. This can include:

Real estate

Collectibles

Jewelry

Artwork

Family heirlooms

Cash in bank or money market accounts

Assets from your business

Stocks and bonds

You should also remember your digital assets. There are plenty of websites we use to manage finances and certain assets each day. Write down those accounts and the passwords so that your family members can access any needed info.

What Documents Do I Need?

Then you need to gather any documents related to your assets. This can include deeds to your property and insurance policy paperwork. You should also have your marriage license handy, since you are probably going to end up leaving something to your spouse and/or choosing them as the executor of your estate.

Can I Edit My Will Later?

You should also remember that you can edit your will later on. The document you write now can be changed if life events change your priorities or past plans. If you experience a divorce, a new marriage, the birth of a child, or a falling out with a loved one, those are all good enough reasons to review your plans.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

You are not required to hire a lawyer when making a will. In fact, you’ve probably seen online kits that are designed to make you a will for cheap. This might work for some people, but for anyone with significant assets it’s wise to speak to an attorney. We can help you ensure that everything is in order and that your will is legally binding.