A will is the cornerstone of any estate plan. With a properly executed will, you can develop peace of mind knowing that upon your death, your hard-earned assets will pass down to the people and causes that are dear to you.
But while a will is designed to articulate your wishes clearly, it can also be a source of a protracted court battle. This is especially possible if someone is dissatisfied with your will’s content. If you are concerned that someone might dispute your will, it is important that you take steps to prevent this from happening.
Discuss your will with your heirs
Discussing your will with your heirs can go a long way toward clarifying your wishes and, in the process, minimizing the possibility of a dispute. By explaining why you’ve distributed your estate in a particular manner, and allowing your heirs to raise their concerns, you will better ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there will be no unpleasant surprises when your will is made public during probate.
Better ensure that your will is valid
A will that is not executed per California’s wills laws can (and will most often) be disputed and invalidated. From multiple and conflicting wills to fraud, lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence and lack of witnesses, there are a myriad of reasons why a will can be invalidated.
Safeguarding your legacy
A will speaks for you when you are no longer around to articulate your wishes. This makes it one of the most important legal documents you can ever create. Learning more about California wills and estate planning laws can help you avoid missteps that can expose your will to costly disputes.
