A will is an important document that every person should write. Many people understand the importance of a having a will but don’t actually have one written. It is a document that helps you plan for the future and protect the ones you love. But what should you put in a will? In this article, we’ll walk through what you should put in your will.

1. Guardianship of your children

Many people first create their wills after they have a child. This is because one of the major parts of your will includes naming who would be the guardian of your children if something were to happen to you while your children are under the age of eighteen. If you don’t have a will then you are leaving the guardianship decision to the state.

2. Determining who gets your possessions

The most common known piece to put in your will is determining who gets what. This is where you can be as detailed or a general as you would like. Do you want everything to go to your spouse or your children? Or do you want your home to go to someone specific and your cars and jewelry to go to someone else?

3. Naming your will executor

Finally, in your will, you need to name someone as the “executor”. This is the person who is in charge of making sure your last will and testament are carried out to your requirements. It’s very important to name the right person as your executor as they will be dealing very closely with your family and friends.

Do you need a lawyer to help you write a will?

There are many people who do not use a lawyer to write up their will. In fact, some people will be as unorganized as writing their will on the back of a napkin or on a piece of paper. And as long as you sign the document, it makes it a valid will. The trouble comes if that sheet of paper is ever contested. Family members could have the validity of the will questioned which could result in spending time in court.

By working with a lawyer, you can be sure that your will will be executed the way you want and your wishes will be honored. They will work with you to make sure everything you need to include is included and you can have peace of mind knowing your family is taken care of and your wishes are being granted.

How often should you update your will?

A good rule of thumb is to update your will after any big life event. This includes getting married, any time you have a child, when you make a large financial purchase, or any time you need to update guardianship. If you have any questions about when you should update your will, reach out to an estate lawyer Roseville, CA trusts. They will advise you to make sure your will is legally binding and kept up to date at all times.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Yee Law Group, P.C. for their insight into estate planning and what you should include in your will.