Are Your Last Wishes Known?

Every adult should have a will regardless of your age.

During your lifetime, you most likely will accumulate more than you ever expected, and that is why a
will is essential so that you can direct the disposal of your assets according to your wishes.

When it comes to your last wishes, there are more than assets to consider. What about your children
or an aging relative? Who will take care of them after your death? Only a properly executed will or
trust will allow you to make provisions for your loved ones.
Here are some helpful suggestions:

Hire a lawyer to draft your will. There are many do-it-yourself kits or forms that allow you to write
a will yourself. However, if you make just one mistake, your will may be later found invalid. A
competent and knowledgeable lawyer knows what is necessary to draft a will that is valid in your
state.


Have witnesses. In most states, you need witnesses for your will to be valid. It is best to have someone who is not receiving a bequest from you to serve as a witness.


Use percentages instead of dollar amounts. Because the amount of money to be divided amongst heirs may be significantly lower or higher at the time of death, it is better to use percentages rather than specific dollar amounts for bequests.


Review your will yearly. You may want to change some bequests, especially if the tax laws change
or if there is a change in your family situation.


If you move to another state, review and, if necessary, revise your will. Some states are common-law states (assets are owned by the person who purchased them) and some are communityproperty states (assets acquired during marriage are jointly owned). Make sure you check the laws of the state to which you are moving to determine if you need to revise your will.

If you want to protect your assets and family with an estate plan but don't know where to begin, then request a FREE copy of our Estate Planning E-Book and Newsletter and discover:

• How to create an estate plan to protect you and your family
• If you should be concerned about estate taxes
• The 4 basic requirements for a valid will
• 7 important questions you should consider when making a will
• How to protect yourself and family if you become incapacitated or disabled
• The advantages and disadvantages of a trust
• Other estate planning tools everyone should know about

Phone: 888-495-7289 * Fax: 888-559-8856

Serving your interests in Maryland and Washington, DC, including Rockville, Gaithersburg, Potomac, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Columbia, Camp Springs, Fort Washington, Upper Marlboro, Bowie, Forestville, Prince Frederick, Waldorf, Largo, Temple Hills, Greenbelt, College Park; and in Montgomery County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Howard County, Prince Georges County and Anne Arundel County.

If you have questions or comments, you are welcome to contact us at info@kinseylawgroup.com or
888-495-7289.

This article is provided as an educational service by Kinsey Law Group, P.C. and is not intended to, and nor does it, constitute legal advice. The use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Kinsey Law Group cannot guarantee that the information on or linked to the website is correct, complete, or current. Contacting the Kinsey Law Group does not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not transmit time-sensitive or urgent information through e-mail or the law firm's website.

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