It may come as a surprise to many, but some people may actually use a “will in a box” or an online form to draft their Last Will and Testament. That said, all of it can also be used as evidence in court. On the other hand, your final affairs should be handled with extreme care and in accordance with all applicable laws.
Even if your preferences are contested by irate relatives, hiring a qualified wills and estate lawyer will help to ensure that your wishes are honoured.
Nobody wants to consider that their belongings would someday be the subject of a family conflict, but sadly, this is a reality that occurs much too often. The best wills are those that adhere to all will-related legal criteria, include at least two witness signatures, and fulfill all formal statutory requirements. It’s crucial to have the will created by an estate lawyer if you want one that meets all the necessary requirements.
That said, there are also other situations in which a wills and estates attorney may be required.
First of All, What Is an Estate Lawyer?
Estate lawyers come in a variety of forms. There are those that can assist you in organizing your estate’s distribution and selecting the right decision-makers. One of these attorneys will draft your will and other estate documents, such as a Power of Attorney.
Estate litigators are also a thing. These are the attorneys who assist their clients in resolving estate-related problems. They advise estate trustees and beneficiaries on matters like will interpretations and will contests.
In addition to assisting with guardianship and health care decisions, estate litigators can also help with disagreements regarding mental capacity (such as whether a person was of sound mind when they drafted their will).
A wide range of other activities can be carried out by estate lawyers, like ensuring that the estate’s assets are dispersed. Additionally, if a spouse or other dependent is not sufficiently taken care of, they can aid them in filing a claim against the estate.
When Do I Need to Hire an Estate Lawyer?
A person should hire an estate planning attorney if they want to make sure that their ultimate intentions are followed through. It is advisable to deal with one if you want to ensure that your will and power of attorney are as legally binding as possible. This is especially true if you have a substantial estate or complex family dynamics that could lead to problems.
You will receive a more individualized approach from an estate law specialist, as well as guidance on who to pick as your executor, power of attorney, and other important roles. They might even suggest that you engage a professional executor rather than a relative or friend in specific circumstances.
Additionally, a trust establishment and the different kinds of trusts that are accessible might be discussed with an estate lawyer. They can provide advice on probate and even ways to avoid it completely. They can assist you with income tax, real estate, and planning for the care of your young children in the event that something were to happen to you before they reach legal adulthood.
Additionally, suppose you yourself are an executor or trustee. In that case, an estate lawyer may assist in making sure that you comprehend your responsibilities so that you are better shielded against lawsuits or other personal liabilities. And an estate lawyer can assist you with the procedure if you think you have a case to contest a will.
Conclusion
It is evident that hiring a wills and estate lawyer is a very important decision. This is because they can help ensure that your estate is handled in the way that you want it to be. They can also help to protect your loved ones in the event that something happens to you. Therefore, it is important to take the time to research and find the right lawyer for you.
If you are looking for a well-trusted wills and estates lawyer in Abbotsford, look no further than our experienced practitioners here at Pathfinder Law. We offer a wide range of different legal services, including civil litigation, family law, employment law, wills and estates, etc., to clients living and working throughout Abbotsford and the rest of British Columbia. Call us today and let us discuss your plans of setting up a will as early as now.
