Will Preparation in Orange, California

Find the right Will Preparation attorney in Orange, CA

In Orange, California, many of the pitfalls that sometimes come with a will, such as would-be beneficiaries challenging its validity, or devises which don't make it clear who gets what (resulting in costly and time-consuming litigation) can be avoided if the will is well-drafted in the first place.

Drafting a will doesn't need to be an intricate or particularly expensive process. If you have a small to moderate amount of assets (limited to a home, a car, and a few bank/investment accounts), and don't need to set up trusts or anything similar, you can probably have a will written in just a couple days, for a relatively small fee.

However, even if the will is comparatively simple, some problems which are very easy to avoid can still complicate the process. A knowledgeable Orange, California wills and trusts lawyer can help you avoid these problems.

Many problems with wills are due to some of the required formalities not being followed. The formalities involved in drafting and executing a will are not particularly complicated, but they must be scrupulously followed. Otherwise, the will might not be given effect. In most states, the will must include some clear statement that the document is, in fact, the last will and testament of the person making it. It typically must also be witnessed and signed by at least 2 people who do not have any stake in the will.

Holographic Wills in Orange, California

In some (but certainly not all) states, "holographic wills" can sometimes be treated as valid wills. A holographic will is just a will that is written entirely in the testator's own handwriting. They do not need to be witnessed in order to be valid.

Assuming that a holographic will is valid in your state, a court will probably interpret it very liberally, acknowledging the fact that it probably wasn't written by a lawyer. This is to make it much easier to truly give your wishes effect.

But you should be aware that not all states permit holographic wills. In these states, you are still permitted to hand write your will if you so desire, but they must be accompanied by all the formalities required by the law of that state.

If they are permitted in your states, a holographic will can be a good option, in some cases. If you do not have a considerable amount of money and property that you want to pass on, and your devises are going to be very simple (regular gifts to just a few people), a holographic will can suffice. However, you should seek the advice of a lawyer beforehand, and know that it is almost always a better option to have a will accompanied by all the required formalities.

How Can A Orange, California Lawyer Help?

Because of the various required formalities that accompany a will, it's not a bad idea to have a knowledgeable Orange, California attorney help you draft your will, even if it is relatively simple.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Orange

The city of Orange, California has a population of about 137,000 and is located about 3 miles from Santa Ana, the seat of Orange County. It has recently become a popular choice of residence for commuters who are employed in Los Angeles. Orange, California is well-known for its cozy, "old-town" feel that it maintains.

Part of Orange's charm is due to the large number of old and historic homes that have been preserved by the city. Many homes in Orange's "Old Town District" were built before 1920. Orange Historic District also contains original structures built around the time of the city's incorporation in the late 1800's. Orange, California has the second largest concentration of historic buildings in the nation.

In addition to its old-town feel, Orange has welcomed a number of modern institutions and retail centers. Of notable interest is "The Block at Orange", which is an outdoor entertainment and shopping locale. It features several upscale restaurants and is a popular shopping destination.

Lawyers in Orange, California provide assistance in a wide range of general legal fields. Many Orange, California lawyers have unique skills in specialized areas of law. Most attorneys in Orange file their claims at the Superior Court of California, County of Orange.

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