Getting Your Will Done

Deciding it is time to get your Will done can be scary and stressful. It is way too easy to put it off for another day. We are estate planning attorneys in Waldorf, Maryland. We want to eliminate the stress and reduce the fear you may feel when thinking about getting your last will and testament and other estate planning documents done. 

Please watch my video above. I explain the entire process of getting your last will and testament done and finally off your to do list. Or read on to get the same basic information in writing.

Also, be sure to read our Free Legal Guide to Wills & Estate Planning in Maryland. That will give you the big picture overview of the process, as well as explaining some of the finer details that you really should think through before making estate planning decisions.

Call Us

The first step is to give us a call so we can start the process by scheduling a consultation with Nasheia Smith, our estate planning attorney. If you like, you can send us a message on our contact us page and we will call you. We will try to make the process as easy as possible.

You will probably speak to one of our paralegals, who will schedule your consultation for you. We will schedule your consultation in person, or by Zoom, or even by phone. We will do whatever is easy and convenient for you. 

After you schedule your consultation we will email you a questionnaire.

The Will Preparation Questionnaire

The next thing we do is send you a questionnaire so we can get all the details that we need to prepare your last will and testament, and other estate planning documents.

The questionnaire is not just a tool for us to get information. The will preparation questionnaire will get you started thinking about what you need to complete your Will. It will give you a chance to think through important issues ahead of time. Writing down answers to these important questions is a great way to think through these issues before you prepare your last will & testament. 

In the will preparation questionnaire you will be asked for the names and contact information of those people you want to: 

• handle your estate
• leave your assets to
• care for any minor children
• manage the money for any minor children

Answering the questionnaire really helps think through who is best to do what estate planning job.

In all of these situations we also want you to name a back up in case the person you pick is unable or unwilling to serve. You cannot predict the future, so it is always best to have a backup person planned to handle your estate matters.

We find that people who take the time to do this homework get a lot more out of the initial consultation.

The Consult

When you come in for the consultation we talk to you about your answers on the questionnaire.  This way we make sure the decisions you have made are the right ones for you.

And don’t worry, we will also take the time to answer any questions you have.

During the consult we will also ask if you have a Durable Power of Attorney and an Advance Medical Directive.  These routine estate planning documents can be more important than having a will in some situations. Click those links to learn more!

You will have to choose people for these jobs too. In many instances, you can reliably pick the same person for these jobs. This is especially true for certain jobs like like personal representative of the estate (see the Free Legal Guide on Wills & Estate Planning for more on that) and the person who will be your power of attorney. For both of these tasks, you want someone who can handle the finances and make good business decisions.

The Advance Medical Directive is focused on health issues and you may want someone who is more familiar with health care to make your medical decisions. If you have a family member with a medical background, that would be a perfect choice!

Drafting Your Will

Once we have established what you want your Will to say, we will get it drafted. Next, we email you a copy of the Will for your review. You can take your time and make any changes you feel are necessary.

This is another great time to think over those important choices. The review process gives you time for reflection on those choices and make sure they are right for you and your family.

The Signing

Once you approve your Will we have you come into our office to have it signed and notarized. Your will must be signed in person, and in front of two witnesses who are not related to you, and are not named in the will.

Luckily, we have plenty of staff members who can serve as witnesses. So you don’t have to bring anyone yourself. We will take care of it.

The Filing

Another thing we will do is file your will with the local Register of Wills. That way, it is there when your heirs need it and nobody needs to find it. In an ideal world, we advise everyone to give their heirs a copy, and let them know exactly where your original will is stored. But if it is on file at the courthouse at the county Register of Wills office, that is better.

At the very least it operates as a wonderful backup plan.

Conclusion

We know that thinking about your Will isn’t fun.  But stop putting it off. Give us a call today. If it is easier, you can also send us a message on our contact us page, and we will get in touch with you.

Want to know more? Discover what you need to know about Wills in Maryland. Click here to see our Free Legal Consumer Guide to Wills and get answers to your questions today. Know your options. Be informed. Protect yourself.

Need an attorney for your will? Please contact us for a consultation today if you need an experienced estate planning lawyer for your will.

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