Deciding to start planning your future is the first step to protecting your loved ones and your assets. Many people are unsure about where to start and how long the estate planning process will take. Working with an estate planning attorney can allow you to complete a will faster than you might expect. At Taneff Law, we help people create wills and plans that align with their goals and the future they want for themselves and their loved ones. We make the process efficient and ensure that everything is clearly documented and ready whenever needed.
Drafting A Will: The Average Preparation Timeline
Most wills can be drafted between a few days and a few weeks. It all depends on how much information you choose to include in your will, as well as how long it takes you to pass certain information to your lawyer. The complexity of your estate will determine how quickly the process will be.
The first step in drafting a will is to set up a meeting with an attorney from Taneff Law. During this meeting, you will be able to ask any questions, and your attorney will create an outline of the initial draft of your will. Your attorney will give you a list of any additional paperwork or bits of information that they still need from you to complete your estate planning documents.
Once your lawyer completes the initial draft, they will pass it to you for review. You will be able to make any tweaks or changes during this time. Once passed back to the attorney, they will make a finalized version. Once completed, you will have a final meeting with your lawyer to walk through your estate. They will walk you through your will line by line, and you will sign off where necessary. This will make the document legally binding and clear for your family to understand exactly how you want your estate to be handled in case of an emergency.
What Information Do You Need To Finalize An Estate Plan
How quickly your lawyer can draft your will depends on both the complexity of your estate planning documents and your preparation of information that needs to be provided in order to complete the process. Below is a list of the necessary information that is typically needed to complete the preparation of a will.
- A list of any high-value or major assets or property.
- A list of any bank or investment accounts.
- The names of any beneficiaries you want to name in your estate planning records.
- An idea of guardian preferences, if you have any minor children.
- Any existing estate planning documents.
- An idea of how you want your well-being to be handled in the case you are unable to make your own medical decisions.
- Any end-of-life requests that you would like your family to complete.
Coming to your initial estate planning meeting with the information above will significantly reduce the amount of time it will take your lawyer to draft your will. Staying organized and intentional with your planning selections will allow you to complete the process quickly.
Do You Need A Complex Will?
Not every person needs a complex will. Most people proceed with a very basic will that outlines how they want their assets to be distributed after their death. These types of wills are easy to outline and file quickly. If you do not own a business, have only a few major assets, and know exactly who your beneficiaries are, a simple will is perfect for you. An attorney will be able to create this plan quickly. If you have a larger or more complex estate, you may require more attention than most simple wills. If you have a blended family, a business, or any dependents, your lawyer may need additional documents from you to make sure your will is free of issues. Having an accurate will will allow your loved ones to avoid any disputes or complications later down the line. It is important to come prepared and ask any questions along the way.
In Need Of An Emergency Or Rushed Will?
If you are in need of a rushed will that needs to be urgently filed, Taneff Law is here to help. You cannot plan for unexpected health issues or emergencies, and sometimes you need to come up with a plan quickly. If you or someone you love has found themselves in need of a will quickly, we are here to document their wishes as soon as possible. We will work to ensure that your wishes are clear and help to prepare quick last-minute estate paperwork in the event of an emergency.
Why A Will Is Important
A will not only help your loved ones understand your wishes, but it can also help them avoid probate or unnecessary complications. Having control over your property and how it is distributed will ensure that your wishes are followed after your death. Not having a will or trusts set up can be expensive for your family and can cause disputes. Getting yourself organized will give everyone the peace of mind that there is a clear plan to follow.
Protect Your Future Today
Stop putting off preparing for your future. Working with an estate planning lawyer can make the process of creating a will easy and stress-free. We will help you gather all of the necessary information and records needed to create a clear and legal plan for your loved ones. It is time to have control over your future and make decisions that will set you and your loved ones up for success.
Contact an Estate Planning Attorney At Taneff Law Today
If you are in need of a will or any estate paperwork, the team at Taneff Law is here to help. Check out our services page to learn more about our approach to creating wills, or contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.