One of the primary roles of an estate attorney is to act as a planner for a client’s future. Perhaps the paramount of planning for the future is through the creation of a Last Will and Testament. But why you might ask do you need an attorney? The short answer is, a lot can go wrong without one. Everything an estate attorney does ensures nothing goes wrong. They do this by having a thorough and current understanding of the law which can often be quite complicated.
So what exactly is an attorney doing when they help you plan for the future? Their primary objective is to effectuate your intent. They make sure your finances and belongings pass to who you want. They make sure your children have a home, your pets are loved, your loved ones are taken care of, and so much more.
Homemade wills and poor lawyering can often lead to will invalidation—An invalid will means your intent is thwarted, or worse, your belongings end up exactly where you don’t want them. Poor planning and execution can also mean a will may go through probate which is a lengthy and costly litigation process which questions a will’s authenticity; the arch nemesis of someone planning for the future.
The beauty of going to an attorney is they are the ones well versed in the pesky statutes, case law, and the numerous formalities required by law. They are trained to spot potential future issues and craft wills in a way that insures your intent is accomplished. Experienced attorneys are constantly dealing with issues that you may have never thought of. Even better, a will is inexpensive!
You should take comfort in knowing that attorneys are working for you. They want your objectives achieved as much as you do, and they do that by a comprehensive understanding of the law, educating you, listening attentively, and asking the right questions.
If you don’t have a will, now is a great time to get one. If you already have a will but feel it’s outdated, it might be a good time to review your will. We have locations in Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester counties, and are happy to discuss your legal options. Feel free to call our office at (856) 227-7888 or email [email protected] for a free consultation with one of our compassionate and experienced estate planning attorneys. We are here for you!
Contributed by Joseph Kilpatrick, Law Clerk