What is a Will?
A will is an estate planning tool that carries out your last wishes upon your death. It is a legal document created while you are alive that indicates how you want your property to be distributed at the time of your death.
Writing a will is often the first step for many in planning for their estate. It is never too early to write a will, and it can help protect your assets and your family.
Requirements of a Will
Every situation for creating a will is different, but there are some basic requirements. If you are writing a will in Michigan, according to state law, it must satisfy these requirements:
- It must be in writing
- It must be signed by you (the writer of the will)
- It must also be signed by two witnesses
Do I Need a Will?
Many people put off writing a will because they do not care to think about what will happen when they die. However, having a will can help protect your personal property and carry out your best wishes for your family and loved ones.
In a will, you can indicate the following:
- A Personal Representative (Executor) to administer your estate
- Who will inherit your property, such as:
- House
- Automobile(s)
- Artwork
- Jewelry
- Family Heirlooms
- Furniture
- Other Valuables or Items
- Who will inherit sums of money
- Legal guardian of minor children
- Guardian for your pet(s)
For additional information or questions about writing a will in Michigan, contact our legal offices online or call today at (734) 397-4540 to set up a free consultation with one of our skilled and professional estate planning lawyers.