Frequently Asked Questions About Wills
At Temple & Frayer Law Office, we completely understand that the estate planning process can be incredibly overwhelming. Very few people like to actually think about the future, and many will put off their estate planning matters until it is too little too late.
Our Pittsburgh estate planning attorneys are proud to offer our clients the high-quality legal representation that they deserve. Having been hand-selected by the Orphans Court Judges to handle complex estate planning matters and our founder Dale P. Frayer having earned an AV Preeminent peer-review rating* through Martindale-Hubbell, we are confident in our ability to help you create an effective last will and testament. We understand you may have several questions or concerns, which we address for you below.
Do I really need a will?
Absolutely. Though no two specific estate plans will ever be the same, it is highly encouraged that all individuals strongly consider implementing a will into their estate plans. Whether you are young or old, sick or healthy, a will can be used as a basic estate planning element. A valid will can effectively protect your assets and ensure your estate is distributed according to your final wishes.
What happens if I die without creating a will?
Because the primary purpose of a will is to make your final wishes known as to how your estate should be administered once you pass away, your estate may be subject to the state’s intestate laws upon your death. If you pass away without a will, your estate will then be administered through the process of probate – meaning your assets will then be distributed according to the law, not your wishes.
Do I have to have a minimum amount of money or other assets in order to create a will?
Absolutely not. Perhaps one of the greatest misconceptions about estate planning is that many people assume that you need to possess a significant amount of money or property in order to create a will. This is not the case at all. In fact, you can create a will to distribute assets worth any dollar amount. It will be important to remember, however, that your property may be subject to estate taxes and other inheritance tax liabilities.
What are the benefits of having a will?
There are countless benefits to having a will, and each benefit will be unique to your very own needs. Many people prefer having a simple legal document that can be used to make certain their final wishes are best looked after. Other benefits include:
- Anyone can create a will
- Allows you to convey all of your final wishes
- There is no minimum or maximum amount of assets required to create a will
- Creating a will can help you avoid the costly process of probate
Do I need to hire an attorney?
Though it can be very tempting to use do-it-yourself handbooks or computer programs, you can make certain that no mistakes have been made by working exclusively with a lawyer. Your last will and testament will stand as an enforceable legal document. If there is any type of oversight or mistake on your last will, then you may end up costing your family a great deal of money. Don’t risk letting your property go through the probate courts – work with an attorney who can help you avoid costly pitfalls.
More Questions? Contact Temple & Frayer Law Office Immediately!
If you have more questions or concerns regarding your will or your estate plan, do not wait another moment to seek counsel from our Pittsburgh estate planning lawyers. With more than 65 combined years of legal experience, our attorneys know the complexities and nuances involved in estate planning. We are completely devoted to providing our clients with compassionate legal representation and always operate under the highest presumption of privacy and confidence for our clients.
To speak with us directly, please contact our firm today and request a case consultation. We would be happy to meet with you privately to discuss the specific nature of your estate planning matters. Schedule an appointment by calling 412-998-1197.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories — legal ability and general ethical standards.