Most of the issues that can pop up with wills in Grandview, Missouri, like challenges to the will's validity, can be avoided if the will is well-drafted in the first place.

If your estate does not have a large amount of assets, your assets are limited to cash and personal belongings, and you wish to leave all your property to your immediate family and friends, the process of drafting your will is likely to be fairly simple.

However even with "simple" wills, some easily-avoidable problems come up more commonly than they need to. A seasoned Grandview, Missouri attorney can help you avoid these problems with careful will preparation.

Many problems with wills can be caused by failing to follow the required formalities. These requirements are not very complicated, but they need to be followed scrupulously. If not, the will might be found to be invalid. In almost every state, the will must be witnessed and signed by two disinterested parties, and must include a clear statement that the document is, in fact, a last will and testament.

Holographic Wills in Grandview, Missouri

In some states, you can make what is recognized as a "holographic will." This is simply a will which is handwritten, in the testator's own handwriting. They do not need to be witnessed in order to be valid.

If holographic wills are valid in your state, courts will, as with any will, have to figure out what is really being said, and resolve ambiguities. Because holographic wills are not always written under ideal conditions, they have to be interpreted very liberally, so they can be given effect and not fail for technical reasons.

You should know that not all states recognize holographic wills. Of course, you could still handwrite your will if you desire; but to be legitimate, it would have to be accompanied by all of the formalities (witnesses being the big one) of any other will.

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

How Can A Grandview, Missouri Lawyer Help?

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