Wills in Delaware, Ohio
Welcome to the Law Office of Eric Coss, where we understand the importance of securing your legacy and ensuring your wishes are carried out. Our wills service provides comprehensive and personalized legal assistance to individuals and families in the Delaware, Ohio area. Crafting a will is a crucial step in estate planning, allowing you to dictate how your assets are distributed and who will oversee your affairs after you’re gone. With our expertise and dedication to the overall client experience, we strive to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible, guiding you through each step with clarity and professionalism. Trust the Law Office of Eric Coss to safeguard your interests and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
What is a will?
A will, also known as a last will and testament, is a legal document that outlines a person’s wishes regarding the distribution of their assets and the management of their affairs after their death. In a will, the individual, referred to as the testator, specifies how they want their property, possessions, and financial assets to be distributed among their chosen beneficiaries. Additionally, a will may designate guardians for minor children, establish trusts, appoint an executor to carry out the terms of the will, and address other important matters related to the testator’s estate.
Having a valid will in place is essential for ensuring that one’s wishes are honored and that their estate is distributed according to their intentions. Without a will, the distribution of assets is typically determined by state laws of intestacy, which may not align with the individual’s preferences. Therefore, creating a will allows individuals to have control over the disposition of their estate and provides peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones.
What are the different types of wills?
There are several types of wills that individuals can use to express their wishes regarding the distribution of their assets and the management of their affairs after their death. Some common types of wills include:
1. Simple Will: A straightforward document that outlines how the testator’s assets should be distributed among beneficiaries, typically without complex provisions or trusts.
2. Testamentary Trust Will: A will that establishes one or more trusts to manage the distribution of assets to beneficiaries over time, often used to provide for minor children or individuals with special needs.
3. Pour-Over Will: A will that directs the transfer of assets into a trust upon the testator’s death, ensuring that assets not already held in the trust are included in its distribution.
4. Joint Will: A single will created by two individuals, usually spouses, that outlines how their assets will be distributed after both of their deaths.
5. Mutual Will: Separate wills created by two individuals, often spouses, that contain similar or identical provisions regarding the distribution of assets and other matters.
6. Living Will: Also known as an advance directive, this document expresses a person’s wishes regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care if they become incapacitated and unable to communicate their preferences.
7. Holographic Will: A handwritten will that is entirely handwritten and signed by the testator, often used in emergency situations when formal will-making procedures are not feasible.
When determining what type of will best suits their need and to ensure wishes are properly documented and legally enforceable, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced attorney. Please contact us at The Law Office of Eric Coss today to schedule your free consultation.