Do you really need a will? Won’t everything go to my second wife but what about my children from my first marriage?  I have a child or grandchild with special needs what can I do for them? What about a trust vs. a will? Is it true that probating a will can take years and thousands of dollars in Tennessee.  These are all questions that we address with our clients.

We all hear the advertisements for forms that are quick and cheap.  Wills off the internet are cheap, quick and dangerous.  I have just recently reviewed a will that look good but the witnesses had signed the will the day before the testator.  The simple things can destroy the best laid plans for your family.

When we talk with our clients we try to look at the overall estate plan they may need.  Those discussion can be about powers of attorney for financial / business matters, power of attorney for health care decisions and livings wills. 

A discussion with an estate attorney (and many times your accountant) about your wishes for your family can make your passing so much easier for your family. You need a plan for you family.  No one likes to talk about death, wills, trusts, estate taxes,  guardians, executors, and probate.  But not taking the steps to plan and prepare is letting your family down and suffer even more. Plus there are some very simple things that you can do that will simplify the probate process. 
   
Do what is right for your family.