Did you know that you can write your own will? As long as you sign and date each page, you can take out a pen and paper a write a valid will. Yep, it’s that simple because a handwritten will is valid in Louisiana. But the majority of will disputes and litigation in estate planning stems from handwritten wills.
A handwritten will gives you the illusion of simplicity (pen, paper, write how I want to leave my belongings, sign, date, and I’m good). Simple, right? Let’s play this out in real life. Mom writes in her handwritten will “I leave everything to my kids.” This simple sentence leaves room for animosity and infighting.
Everyone loves mom’s ring, but according to this will, all of the kids will get it. Are they supposed to work out a custody arrangement regarding this ring? They can barely get along during the holidays, are they are supposed to all of a sudden be in harmony and politely decide on who gets what? NOT HAPPENING!
One kid will be selfish and keep the ring for themselves leaving the others to hate them for it. Or one of your kids would sell the ring and not split the money causing even more animosity. Or you may have a litigious bunch and they are willing to let the courts decide. So the property and wealth that you worked so hard to obtain are now in the pockets of the Law Firm of That’s Mine and This is Yours.
So here are some good questions to ask yourself:
- What are my true intentions?
- How will my intentions be carried out?
- Do you want to make provisions for specific people?
- Who do I trust to make sure that my wishes are carried out?
- If you have children, will you treat them differently in the will?
If you would like to have a quick chat about your options, you can schedule a call with me below.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. This post does not provide legal advise regarding your specific situation nor does it create an attorney-client relationship.
