Stroudsburg Wills Lawyer
Do you currently have a will, and do you have plans in place to ensure that your family will be protected in the event of an unexpected accident or tragedy? Few of us like to think about estate planning issues and making a will, but drafting a will can be extremely important for making certain that your family is provided for in the event of your death. While some Stroudsburg residents assume that wills are only for older adults or those who may be suffering from a serious illness, it is important for people of all ages to have a will.
Whether you are recently married and in your 20s or are retired and facing health issues, you should learn more about the benefits of having a will and dealing with a variety of estate planning matters. An experienced Stroudsburg wills lawyer can help you today.
Why Do I Need to Have a Will in Stroudsburg?
There are many reasons to have a will, whether you are young or old and whether you have family members or not. The following are some examples of what you can do through a will:
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Name an executor or executrix, which is the person who will make sure that all of the items in your will are executed according to your wishes and will deal with the administration of your estate;
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Ensure that specific property is passed onto family members or to charitable organizations that you care about;
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Name the person who can handle any property that you leave to your minor children until they reach the age of 18; and
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Name the person who will serve as the caregiver and guardian for your minor children in the event of your death.
Having a will can give you peace of mind in knowing that you have a plan in place and that it will be carried out according to your wishes. Not only can you leave specific property to a particular person or entity through your will, but you can also clarify how all property will be distributed in the event of your death.
Understanding Intestacy Laws in Stroudsburg
What would happen if you died without a will in Pennsylvania? If a person dies without a will, that person’s property will be distributed based on the terms of Pennsylvania’s laws of intestate succession. When you die without a will, you are said to have died “intestate,” and your property will be distributed to certain survivors based on a particular order.
Under laws of intestate succession, property first goes to the surviving spouse. If there are surviving children, then they will also receive a portion of the estate. If there are no surviving children, the surviving spouse receives the entire estate. If there is no surviving spouse, then the property is distributed to the surviving children. If there are no surviving children, property then is distributed to surviving parents. Then, when there are no other survivors, property may be distributed to siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives. When there are no surviving relatives, the property ultimately may be distributed to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Seek Advice from a Stroudsburg Wills Lawyer
Do you have questions about drafting or revising a will? A Stroudsburg wills attorney can assist you. Contact Needle Law Firm today to get started.
