WILL

A Will is a basic legal document that isn’t used as much as a Living Trust.

Here’s what a Will does:

  • You decide who gets your things when you pass away.

  • You choose guardians to take care of your young children.

  • You pick someone, called an Executor, to make sure your Will is followed.

Making sure your family is taken care of every day is important, and having a good plan for the future can give you peace of mind. Even though talking about a Last Will or Living Trust might be hard, it’s important to make sure your wishes are followed. If you live in Sudbury and need help with planning, you can reach out to us at 20West Legal.

A Last Will only works after you pass away, and because it can be complicated, it’s a good idea to get help from a Sudbury lawyer who knows a lot about estate planning.

 
 
 
 

Erica is a Personal Family Lawyer in Sudbury, Massachusetts who specializes in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law.

One downside of a Last Will is that it has to go through Probate Court, which is called Testate Probate. There are three main problems with Probate Court:

  • Time: It usually takes 12 to 16 months to finish.

  • Cost: It can be very expensive because of high lawyer fees.

  • Lack of Privacy: The Last Will becomes public, so anyone can see it, unlike a Revocable Living Trust, which keeps things private.

The reason a Last Will has to go to court is that it can be a simple handwritten document, so the court needs to make sure it’s real. But with a Revocable Living Trust, your things can be passed on without going through the court.

A Last Will might be a good option if you only have personal items (like household things, personal belongings, cars) and financial accounts. These can usually be passed on without needing the court. Financial accounts can also be transferred by having a co-account holder or listing beneficiaries. In this case, you might not need to go to Probate Court at all.

If you own property in Sudbury, a Revocable Living Trust might be a better option because it helps you avoid Probate Court.

For more information, check out details about Living Trusts and Last Wills. If you live near Sudbury, you can contact an Estate Planning Lawyer at (978) 440-0014 or ask for a free consultation. If you need help with estate planning or a Power of Attorney in Sudbury, Framingham, Natick, Wayland, or Hudson, feel free to reach out to us.