Will Preparation in Torrance, California

Find the right Will Preparation attorney in Torrance, CA

In Torrance, California, many of the problems 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 a complicated 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 good Torrance, California wills and trusts lawyer can help you avoid these problems.

A significant 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 Torrance, California

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 typically construed very broadly. Knowing that it was not written by an expert, a court will usually 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.

You should know, however, that holographic wills aren't recognized in many states. If you live in one of these states, you're still free to hand write your will, but, in order to be valid, it must be accompanied by all the formalities required by the laws of the state it is made in.

If your state recognizes them, a holographic will might be a reasonable option if you have a very small estate, and wish to make very simple devises. However, it is never a bad idea to at least have an attorney review your will for completeness and clarity, even if you aren't having the attorney draft it from scratch.

How Can A Torrance, California Lawyer Help?

Because of the formalities that must accompany most wills, it might be prudent to have a Torrance, California attorney help you draft it.

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

Life in Torrance

Torrance, California is a city located in the southwestern region of Los Angeles County. Within city limits, Torrance has over 1.5 miles of unbroken beachfront, to which most of its 145,000 residents have access.

Torrance can trace its early history to a 1784 Spanish land grant. Wealthy landowners established several large ranches in the area that would eventually become Torrance.

Modernly, Torrance is a vibrant, environmentally-conscious community. It is home to one of the very few wetlands situated in an urban area. They are set aside as a nature preserve, which was once set for oil drilling. The efforts of conservationists and Torrance, California environmental lawyers prevented this from happening, however.

Many foreign corporations have their American headquarters in Torrance, including Toyota and Honda. These companies employ a large number of people in a wide range of professions, including local Torrance, California lawyers who represent the interests of their employers in the United States.

If you live in Torrance, California, and find yourself in need of legal services, it's very likely that there's a Torrance, California attorney who can help you out.

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