Will creation is a crucial part of the estate planning process. By dedicating time to creating one, you are taking full control of your legacy as well as your loved ones’ futures. Better still, you will be taking the guesswork out of the picture as far as your wishes regarding your estate are concerned. Without a will, on the other hand, the government would step in and decide who will inherit your estate when you die.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for the death of the testator to set the stage for disputes that can leave a lasting impact on everyone involved. Mostly, this happens when someone is dissatisfied with the content of the will.
If you are concerned that someone might dispute your will, don’t take chances. While you may have no control over people’s actions after your demise, here are a couple of steps you can take to reduce the possibility of someone contesting your will:
Discuss your will with your heirs
Most will contests happen when a beneficiary is unpleasantly surprised by what you are leaving for them. Revealing your will to your heirs, and explaining why you have distributed your assets in a particular manner, can help address their concerns and avoid disputes over your will.
Properly execute your will
If your will is not properly executed per New Jersey wills laws, chances are someone will dispute it. This means that you must be at least 18 at the time of signing your will. It also means that you must have the testamentary capacity to sign the document. Finally, your will must be witnessed by at least two uninterested parties.
A will is the foundation of any estate planning process. Learning more about New Jersey wills laws can help you prevent disputes that can derail your wishes when you are no longer around to explain yourself.