A will is an estate planning tool used to distribute assets after the will creator, or testator passes away. The contents of your will may depend on your specific circumstances, but here are a few things that should be included.
Personal information
It is important that the court is clear on who is writing the will and who is named in the will. You should include:
- Your full, legal name
- Your address
- Your date of birth
- Marital status
- List of children’s names
Declaration
Next, you will need to include a statement of testamentary intent, in which you will declare that the document is your last will and testament. An estate planning attorney can make sure you use the correct legal language in your statement.
Executor of estate
It is important to name an executor to make sure that your will is received by the court and that your assets go to your named beneficiaries. The executor’s role is essentially to manage your estate, pay off debts, and make sure your wishes are carried out after you pass away.
Assets and beneficiaries
Arguably, the most important of the will is listing the assets you would like to pass on and naming a beneficiary to receive each asset. A beneficiary can be a friend or family member, a charity, a trust, or a business.
Guardian of children
If you have any children under the age of 18, you may name a trusted loved one to act as guardian to your kids if you and your child’s other parent pass away.
The estate planning process in Georgia can feel overwhelming without the help of an experienced attorney. Your attorney can make sure your will meets all state requirements and contains all the necessary information to ensure its validity.