A will provides certainty about asset distribution, names guardians for minor children, and designates who will handle estate administration. It can reduce the time and expense of estate settlement, prevent intestacy rules from deciding your legacy, and provide peace of mind that your personal and financial affairs will be managed according to your preferences.
Combining a will with trust arrangements and beneficiary planning ensures assets pass in the manner and timing you intend. This level of control can preserve inheritances for younger beneficiaries, provide for special needs, and account for creditor protection strategies where appropriate under state law.
We focus on personalized planning that reflects each client’s family dynamics and financial situation. Our approach emphasizes clear documents and careful review so that wills fulfill intentions and work seamlessly with beneficiary designations, trusts, and other estate planning tools.
Life changes may require amendments or a full restatement of your will. We offer periodic reviews to recommend updates, prepare codicils or new documents when necessary, and help implement changes so your plan continues to reflect your intentions and legal developments.
Dying without a will means state intestacy laws determine how your probate assets are distributed to surviving relatives. This process may not reflect your personal wishes and can result in outcomes that differ from what you would have intended, particularly in blended families or where there are nontraditional relationships. Intestacy also leaves appointment of a personal representative and guardian decisions to the court, which can increase delays and expense. Preparing a will allows you to direct distributions, name the person who will administer your estate, and reduce uncertainty for your loved ones.
You can name a guardian for minor children in your will by explicitly designating a trusted person to care for them if you and the other parent are unable to do so. Including alternate guardians is important in case your first choice cannot serve when the time comes. It is wise to discuss your choice with the person you name so they are prepared to accept responsibility. A will that addresses guardianship helps guide the court toward honoring your wishes for your children’s care and support.
Yes, you can update your will after it is signed through a valid amendment called a codicil or by preparing a new will that revokes prior versions. Significant life events like marriage, divorce, birth of children, or major asset changes commonly prompt updates to ensure the will still reflects your intentions. Periodic review is recommended to address beneficiary changes and to coordinate the will with retirement accounts and trusts. Proper execution of amendments or new documents is necessary to avoid confusion and unintended results during probate.
A will does not automatically avoid probate; it directs the distribution of assets that pass through probate. Assets held in joint tenancy or with designated beneficiaries, and those placed in trusts or with payable-on-death arrangements, may bypass probate. The composition of your assets determines whether probate will be necessary. For those seeking to minimize or avoid probate entirely, coordinated planning with trusts and beneficiary designations can be effective. We can review your asset ownership and suggest adjustments to align with your goals for privacy and efficiency.
Choose a personal representative who is trustworthy, organized, and capable of managing administrative tasks such as paying debts, filing tax returns, and distributing assets. This person will need to communicate with beneficiaries, handle paperwork, and sometimes work with attorneys or accountants during administration. Many people select a family member or close friend, and some choose a trusted professional or institutional fiduciary for complex estates. Naming successor representatives provides continuity if the first choice cannot serve.
Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance, and similar assets generally override directions in a will. It is important to coordinate these designations with your will to prevent conflicts and unintended distributions. Reviewing beneficiary forms is a key part of comprehensive estate planning. If you change beneficiary designations without updating related estate documents, your overall plan may produce results different from what you intended. Regular coordination of beneficiary forms, ownership titles, and wills helps ensure assets pass according to your goals.
Business owners should consider succession planning that addresses ownership transfer, management continuity, and protection of business value. While a will can appoint beneficiaries of ownership interests, additional legal arrangements like buy-sell agreements, operating agreements, or trust mechanisms often provide more reliable transitions for active businesses. Coordinating a will with business agreements and succession documents prevents operational disruption and preserves business value. Reviewing ownership documents and planning for contingencies helps families and partners navigate transitions smoothly after an owner’s death.
You should review your will after major life events, including marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of children, significant changes in assets, or relocation to another state. Regular reviews every few years also help ensure the document reflects current laws and your evolving wishes. Even when no major events occur, periodic reviews are useful to confirm beneficiary designations, update executor appointments, and consider whether additional planning tools such as trusts or powers of attorney are needed.
Common mistakes include failing to update beneficiary designations, neglecting to name alternate guardians or representatives, and using vague language that invites dispute. Another frequent issue is not coordinating titles and beneficiary forms with the will, which can result in assets passing contrary to your documented wishes. Avoid these pitfalls by conducting a comprehensive review of all documents, choosing reliable fiduciaries, and working with counsel to draft clear, legally effective provisions. Regular maintenance reduces the chance of contested estates and unintended outcomes.
Estate mediation offers a voluntary process for families to resolve disagreements about wills, distributions, or administration without the time and expense of litigation. A neutral mediator helps parties communicate, narrow disputes, and reach settlement agreements that reflect family priorities and practical considerations. Mediation can preserve relationships and provide flexible solutions that a court might not order. For families facing contested estates or unresolved differences, mediation often leads to quicker, less adversarial resolutions that reduce emotional strain and legal costs.
