Wills

Understanding Wills in Minnesota

It is important to realize that the Last Will and Testament is the most popular estate planning tool. The will is a legal document created to provide instructions on the distribution of your assets and property at the time of someone’s death. This legal document can provide useful information and guidance to your loved ones, when used for determining your wishes regarding the management of your final affairs after your passing. However, it’s important to understand that a will alone may not prevent your family from going through probate. To avoid this altogether, you should consider a living trust drafted from one of our experienced estate planning attorneys at Field Law, P.A.

With over 28 years of experience, Field Law, P.A., has helped countless clients secure their futures with these important legal documents. Attorney Joseph Field has the necessary knowledge and experience to help you plan for nearly all of life’s “what if’s,” allowing you to face your future with confidence. Protecting the rights and desires of our clients is our top priority at our law firm. This means that we are committed to helping you through the process of creating a will that is tailored specifically to your needs.

Why You Need a Will

When a will isn’t created, the State of Minnesota dictates the distribution of your estate based on the state “intestacy” laws? This means that the state will give your property to your closest living relatives that are found at the time of your death. If you have no discernible living relatives, the state then will own your property and keep it in a general fund. Creating this Will ahead of time will make sure that your wishes are honored after you die.

A will allows you to do many things including naming beneficiaries, establishing guardians if you have minor children, establishing heirs to the property as well as name an executor who will be in charge of carrying out all of these details in your will. Estate assets such as retirement plans, assets in a living trust, jointly-owned property, and life insurance cannot be spoken about in a will as they have different applicable laws associated with them after someone’s death.

The State of Minnesota requires that a will be signed by the individual and at least two other witnesses at the time that it is finalized. This makes it a legal document under the law. Notarization isn’t required, though, in this case. If you decide to change your will or even revoke it, a codicil must be made with one of our experienced estate planning attorneys, which will amend the terms that were originally drafted in your will. Crossing out terms in a Will is not sufficient and could lead to the invalidation of your Will.

Schedule a Legal Consultation with an Experienced Probate Attorney in Anoka, Minnesota Today

At Field Law, P.A., we have decades of experience helping clients secure their futures for their families. Attorney Joseph Field has the skills, resources, and knowledge necessary to help you plan for any possible scenario and is here to guide you through the legal process of creating a will that is customized to fit your needs.

Begin planning for your future today and call for a consultation regarding creating your will and making sure it projects your interests the way you see fit. Contact a Minnesota estate planning lawyer today to schedule an appointment for a free evaluation of your case by calling (763) 427-9066. We can meet you at your home, nursing home, assisted living community, or even the hospital to begin the estate planning process.