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4 Tips To Avoid Confusion When Making A Will

2 June 2023 by Becky Freeman

The goal of creating a will is to simplify how your estate will be inherited after you pass away. However, this process can often cause drama between beneficiaries when there are disputes about the will because it is confusing. Here are a few tips for writing a will that is clear and concise.  

List The Beneficiaries In A Clear Manner

It is crucial that you identify every single person by name in the will, as well as your relationship to them. You want to leave no room for the names of the beneficiaries to be interpreted differently. For example, you do not want to use language that you are leaving items to your children since you want to be specific about each child being included. You may also have stepchildren, and it makes it confusing if they are included.

Be Specific With Asset Distribution

Another common problem is that items are left to a group of people, which can cause disputes about how assets are divided. This is common when an inheritance is left to the children, but specific asset distribution is not provided. This can lead to disputes about what to do with property, and if it should be kept or sold. There can also be disputes about who gets the specific property.

Plan For Contingencies 

It's possible that you create your will, and then life events alter what happens with your estate. For example, you may have a beneficiary pass away that was given specific assets in the will. There may then be disputes about what happens with those assets among the other beneficiaries. Creating a contingency plan can really help with this type of situation.

Another contingency is that you leave assets to a specific child in your will, but have another child after the will's creation. A contingency adding a second child to the will upon their birth can help ensure that you are covered for that type of situation. 

Appoint An Executor That Wants The Job

Don't surprise someone by listing them as the executor of your estate. If they don't want the job, they may not do it properly. Make sure you ask someone for permission before you name them as the executor, and let them know what their responsibilities will be. If they want the job and feel confident that they can carry out your wishes, then you can move forward with the formal process of naming them the executor. 

Contact a local law firm, such as The Stubbs Law Group, to learn more about creating a will.

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