You need a will to protect your estate
He has worked hard to achieve success and provide for his family. There is one more step you need to take to make sure your family is protected after your death. A will is a legal document that leaves instructions for the disbursement of your property and belongings after your death. In the state of Tennessee, if you die without a will, one of four things will happen:
- If you are married, your living spouse inherits your estate.
- If you are married and have children, your children and your spouse will inherit your estate.
- If you have children and do not have a spouse, your children will inherit your estate.
- If you do not have a spouse or children, your estate will go to the state of Tennessee if your parents or siblings do not live.
Since a will is a legal document, it is advisable to hire an attorney who has experience in estate planning and wills to make sure everything is in order. This prevents your family from spending months and years in court fighting over your estate. Your will must clearly state in concise terms how your estate will be divided. An executor must be appointed to take care of the terms of your estate and, if you have minor children, you must appoint a guardian for them. If you have preferences for your final arrangements, these terms can also be included in your will.
To be considered legal, a will must be signed by two witnesses and the person for whom the will is written, the testator. Handwritten or holographic wills are legal, but their authenticity can be difficult to prove after your death. Two forms of your handwriting must be produced to prove the legality of a handwritten will. There are very strict laws regarding oral wills, so it is in your best interest and in the interest of your heirs to have a legally prepared will on record in the event of your death.
