Minneapolis Wills Lawyers Providing Guidance to Clients As They Work on Estate Planning

If you are planning for your future, making a will is likely on your mind. This is an estate planning staple that lets you control how your belongings are divided up when you pass away. While a will is usually rather straightforward to interpret, it’s not always easy to put together, especially if you have any unique requests.

If you want to ensure that your will follows the estate planning rules in Minnesota and is, therefore, valid, you should hire a lawyer for help. When you come to Metropolitan Law Group P.A. for legal guidance on your will, you can expect our friendly, skilled Minneapolis lawyers to carefully draft a document that ensures your wishes are carried out after you pass away.

Why Should You Make a Will?

The point of a will is to make it clear which of your loved ones are entitled to your assets after your death. If you have minor children, your will should appoint a guardian who you trust to care for them.

In short, writing a will is your chance to make sure your family members are taken care of, as this document should indicate what each beneficiary will get from your estate. For instance, your will can specify to whom you’re leaving your house, cars, and money. If you have multiple beneficiaries, the will should specify how these assets will be divided among them.

Your will should also appoint a personal representative, or executor, to handle your estate. The personal representative is expected to use your assets to pay creditors, notify government agencies about your death, and distribute your assets according to the will. As such, you should choose someone you trust, such as a close family member or friend.

What Should You Know Before You Make a Will?

As you prepare to make your will, you should know some basic rules surrounding estate planning in Minnesota. First, you must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind, as it’s important to ensure that you were not manipulated into writing a will by someone who stands to benefit from it.

In addition, the will has to be in writing on paper, not in digital format. You must sign the will in front of two witnesses, who must also sign the document. If you want to change your will, you must create a new one that states that this new document revokes the old one. Whether you’re drafting your first will or writing a new one, it’s best to consult with a Minneapolis wills attorney to ensure you’re following all the rules that will make it valid.

What Happens If You Pass Away Without a Will?

Having a will is not required, but it is highly recommended if you want control over how your assets are handled upon your death. If you pass away without a will, Minnesota law states that the court will appoint a personal representative to manage your estate, and it might not be the same person you would have chosen.

Without a will to specify how your assets are divided, they will typically go to your spouse and children. If you’re single and do not have children, your parents would be next in line to inherit your assets, followed by siblings and other relatives.

If there are family members to whom you do not wish to leave your assets, it’s essential that you draft a will to state who should get them. Additionally, if you want to avoid your family members going to court to decide who gets your assets, come to our Minneapolis law firm to draft your will today.

Do You Have to Hire a Lawyer to Make a Will?

You’re not required to get legal assistance with your will. However, the point of this document is to give you peace of mind about how your estate will be handled when you’re no longer here, so you don’t want to worry that your will is not clear or valid.

This is why it’s best to hire a wills lawyer who can guide you through the process of drafting a will, especially if you have any unique circumstances to take into consideration. If you’re ready to get started, contact our Minneapolis law firm at 612-448-9653 for a free consultation.