When creating a will, it’s natural to think about what will happen upon your death. After all, that’s a big part of estate planning.
This could lead you to consider the idea that a will contest could come into play. Since you don’t want this to happen, here are some steps you can take when creating your estate plan:
- Proper execution: In other words, don’t type out your will, sign it and stick it in your desk drawer. It should be properly executed by a legal professional, while also signed and witnessed by two individuals.
- Talk to your loved ones: You’re under no obligation to do so, but discussing your estate plan with your loved ones will give them a better idea of where your head is at and what will happen upon your death.
- Don’t give off the impression of undue influence: Undue influence is one of the most common reasons for challenging a will. To help protect against this, don’t involve any loved ones who are inheriting your assets when creating your estate plan. Also, keep these individuals out of all conversations with your estate planning team, such as your attorney and tax professional.
When you take these steps upfront to prevent a will contest, you’ll have peace of mind in knowing that everything should go as planned upon your death. There’s no way of knowing exactly how things will unfold, but you should do your part in helping to protect against trouble.
A will contest isn’t something you want, but it’s always lurking. Knowing your legal rights and taking the appropriate steps when estate planning is a must.
