By Scott Collins, Esq.
Do You Avoid Drafting or Changing a Will?
Spring is here! Summer is right around the corner. It’s a time for rebirth and renewal.
But when we think about documents like our “Last Will and Testament”, it sounds so, well…FINAL, doesn’t it?
But please try looking at your Will from a different perspective.
There is this sense that a Last Will and Testament is a very sacred document and so is the process.
However, many of us avoid working on our Will.
I have an attorney friend who says, “It won’t kill you to talk about it,” and he’s right! Why is it taboo to discuss end-of-life issues?
Well, these are hard conversations, but it’s okay to talk about it, and if you need some help getting started, we can do that for you.
The Elder Law Practice of Scott E. Collins, PLLC, can ease your anxiety, alleviate your fears, and answer your questions. We are here to help you make a new, valid Will or make changes to the current Will.
Important Requirements for a Will in Kentucky
Some of the requirements for a Last Will and Testament include the following:
- The person making a will (testator) has to be older than 18
- The testator has to be of sound mind
- The will has to be signed by the testator and in writing
Other requirements may have to be met so a will would be considered valid.
People often feel like they have to make this document perfect. Your Will is a living document. It changes as your life changes.
The key to avoiding getting bogged down or overwhelmed by the process is really just doing it.
It’s a lot like parenting. Nobody would parent if you had to figure out how to lead them through the teenage or adult years first.
It’s the same thing with your Will; you start with it as a baby and you can always refine it over time.
But you can’t wait until you get it perfect. My wife and I have a very elaborate, complicated Will with blended families and grandchildren and we just keep tweaking it.
But how do you know when to change it? A Kentucky Will can be changed at any time before the testator’s death through a codicil – an addition or amendment or by making a new will.
Check-in with your attorney every 3-5 years, especially if you have children, to make amendments to your Will. While you’re spring cleaning your home and welcoming rebirth, why not dust off your Will, too?
How Can Elder Law Guidance Help
If you’re concerned about cost, at Elder Law Guidance we will help you protect everything you’ve worked so hard to earn. We try to help you save money!
If you have already drafted your own Will, Power of Attorney, or a Living WIll, you can just bring them to us (or any estate planning attorney you trust) and we do the legwork.
Then, if you only have simple amendments to your Will (not massive rewrites), there’s potentially no or minimal charge.
You’ll feel so relieved once you have a plan in place. Aren’t you tired of worrying about this stuff? It’s not worth your mental health, time, or energy – you deserve renewal, too!
At Elder Law Guidance, we can help alleviate your concerns and counsel you on how to start those end-of-life conversations with loved ones. For a free consultation call (859) 544-6012.
