Will Preparation in Somerville, Massachusetts

Find the right Will Preparation attorney in Somerville, MA

Many of the complications that sometimes come up with wills in Somerville, Massachusetts, such as contests brought by would-be beneficiaries, or devises which aren't clear on what they mean, can be avoided if the will is properly drafted in the first place.

Usually, the larger your estate, and the more separate devises you want to make, the more complex the process of drafting your will is going to be. For most people, however, the process can be fairly simple.

However, even with "simple" wills, there are a few prevalent stumbling blocks that frequently make things far more difficult down the road. Fortunately with proper will preparation, most of them are easy to avoid, with the help of a good attorney in Somerville, Massachusetts.

A substantial percentage of the problems that prevent wills from taking effect are caused by failing to follow the required formalities in will preparation. In most states, wills need to be witnessed and signed by at least two people who have no direct interest in the matter. They also have to include a clear written statement that the document is, in fact, the testator's will. It also has to be witnessed by at least two people. Witnesses cannot be anyone who has a direct interest in the will, which includes close relatives of the testator and anyone who's named in the will.

Holographic Wills in Somerville, Massachusetts

In some states, "holographic wills" are valid. A holographic will is written by hand, in the testator's own handwriting. Such will do not need to have any witnesses to be valid.

Holographic wills are normally construed very broadly. Knowing that it was not written by an expert, a court will typically look at the common definition of words, and use other common-sense principles when it comes to interpreting a holographic will. This is necessary to avoid conflicts, and increase the chances that the testator's wishes are honored.

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.

Making a holographic will is rarely the ideal option. But it's sometimes the only option. If you find yourself suddenly needing to make a will, a holographic will is certainly an option, if they're recognized in your state. If possible, though, you should still speak with an attorney, who can review your holographic will and suggest any fixes that will make it easier to meet your goals.

How Can A Somerville, Massachusetts Lawyer Help?

Because there are specific formalities which must be followed in drafting wills, it's always a good idea to seek the assistance of a Somerville, Massachusetts attorney in drafting your will. Even if your will is going to be very simple, and you have the formalities all figured out, mistakes can be made.

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

Life in Somerville

Located in Middlesex County, Sommerville, Massachusetts is just two miles north from the state capital of Boston. Sommerville has a population of just under 80,000 residents and is listed as the most densely populated communities in all of New England.

Sommerville was first settled in 1630 and is now considered to be one of the most ethnically diverse communities in all of the United States, with many recent immigrants from Brazil, El Salvador, and Haiti. With over fifty spoken languages used in Somerville schools and 1/3 of the city population born i another country, it is no wonder Somerville has such an ethnic distinction.

Arts and culture is another noteworthy aspect of the New England city. Next to New York, Somerville houses more artists per capita than any other city. The city hosts many artistic events such as the Somerville Arts Council, Brickbottom Artist Association, and the ArtBeat Festival.

Diversity and culture make for the perfect location for many of New England's top lawyers to set up show. Somerville lawyers are skilled in a rage of specialties and able to help their neighbor with any legal issue he or she may encounter. There is a thriving legal community in Sommerville, many coming from top law schools located in Boston.

Clients Rate LegalMatch Attorneys
(click to read reviews)

Regel B.
Regel B.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Caldwell, LA

Brad M.
Brad M.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Sussex, NJ

David L.
David L.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Ashland, OH