Drafting a Will? Avoid These Common Mistakes!

A will is an important document, and it's important to get it right.
Having a valid, legally-binding will can help ensure that your wishes are carried out after you pass away. But if you're not careful with how you draft the document, you could end up making mistakes that could lead to costly legal battles down the line.
To help you avoid this, our team at Nash Law Firm has put together the top five mistakes you'll want to avoid when drafting a will.
Leaving Out Key People or Assets
First and foremost, make sure that all of your intended heirs are listed on the will. This includes both people and assets. If any of your assets or heirs have changed since the original writing of the will—such as if you have had more children or sold property—you'll need to make sure that these changes are reflected in the updated version of your will. It's also important to make sure that all beneficiaries are clearly named in the document.
Failing To Sign The Document Properly
This is one mistake that many people don't realize they're making until it's too late. Every state has its own laws about wills and estate planning, so it's important to consult with an attorney before signing anything. Generally speaking, though, most states require two witnesses who must sign the document in presence of each other as well as yourself for a valid signature. It's also important that everyone involved understands what they're signing; otherwise it won't be legally binding.
Not Updating Your Will After Major Life Events
Major life events—like marriage, divorce, having children, etc.—can change everything about your estate plan. Anytime something major happens in your life like this, it’s important to update your will accordingly so that it reflects your current situation accurately. Otherwise there may be disagreements among heirs over who gets what at distribution time due to discrepancies between your wishes and reality at death time.
Failing To Appoint An Executor
Another common mistake is forgetting to appoint an executor for your estate when drafting a will. This is someone who would be responsible for carrying out your wishes after you’re gone (i.e., distributing assets according to instructions laid out in the will). Without an executor (also known as a personal representative), there’s no one legally authorized by law to manage things like settling debts or distributing assets upon death--and this means delays for everyone involved with probate court proceedings and other matters related to winding down affairs after death..
Drafting a will requires attention to detail and forethought—especially when it comes to avoiding common mistakes like those mentioned above! Not only do these mistakes add extra stress during an already difficult time for family members left behind but they can also cause costly legal battles if not addressed properly beforehand. Taking these points into consideration now can save yourself and those closest to you from unnecessary headaches down the road so think carefully before putting pen to paper!
Questions on drafting your will? Contact our team for a FREE consultation!








