What Information Does My Will Need to Have?

There’s a lot to reflect on when writing your Will. For one thing, it’s in your best interest to contact an estate planning attorney to help you determine what information to build into this document. A legal professional at Donnellon, Donnellon & Miller will give you these pointers for figuring out what to include in your Will.

Create a Letter of Instruction

A letter of instruction, which you keep with your Will, allows you to make specific requests, such as where you want to be buried, who should receive which assets or properties, and how to access your financial or social media accounts. A letter of instruction can contain much more informal language than the actual Will if the content is accurate and precise.

Regularly Update Your Will

Change seems to be the only constant in life. People pass away, get married, divorce, and experience other life-altering events. To reflect such significant changes, you’ll want to update your Will every three to five years. You might also want to review your letter of instruction so that it reads exactly as you intend, leaving no room for multiple interpretations. Remember, the most current version of your Will is the legally binding one if it’s properly signed.

Keep Copies of Your Will

You should always keep a copy of your Will. You might leave the original with your Cincinnati estate planning attorney and place a signed copy in a fireproof and waterproof safe in your house.

Although keeping a copy in your bank’s safe deposit box seems secure, your family may have difficulty accessing it after your passing. Depending on the circumstances, they might need a court order to open your locked box.

Name Guardians for Your Minor Children

Your Will should list the name of a guardian for minor children. Once your children become adults, you should remove from your Will any mention of guardians.

If you have an adult dependent with a disability, you may want to designate a guardian who will make care-based decisions for that person. Also, consider drawing up a Supplemental Services Trust or Special Needs Trust.

An estate planning attorney with Donnellon, Donnellon & Miller will work with you to ensure your Will contains all the essential information. As part of their job, they’ll make your Will official, legally binding, and straightforward. Call our office at 513-891-7087 or complete our online contact form to schedule an appointment or get more information.