Halloween has come and gone but we are still being scared!- by the number of people who try to do their own wills. Just this past week we have seen: Wills not dated; Wills not signed on each page; Wills that do not name an executor; Wills that leave property to minors not in trust; Wills that do not make provisions for forced heirs (children under 24 or disabled children of any age); Wills that do not dispose of all of a person’s property; Wills that leave people property that is no longer owned; Wills that do not recognize community versus separate property; Wills that do not name an alternate beneficiary; Wills that lack the proper attestation clause at the end.
Also we are seeing wills done by Notaries (and in a couple of cases Lawyers) that have these and other problems. Louisiana requires wills to follow the exact law of Louisiana. If you have a handwritten will, one done by a Notary, or one done by a lawyer who does not practice in the area of Estate Planning PLEASE let us take a look at them and make sure they are correct. It is very sad to have to tell your loved ones after you have died that your will is not valid. We do not charge for the initial consultation and are happy to review your documents. We have appointment times to fit your needs- even Saturday appointments! Or you can email your documents to me: pmiramon@miramonlaw.com.