Will Preparation in Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Find the right Will Preparation attorney in Fitchburg, MA

Many of the pitfalls that sometimes come up with wills in Fitchburg, 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 Fitchburg, Massachusetts.

Most of the pitfalls that plague wills stem from failure on the part of the drafter to comply with the required formalities. These requirements aren't terribly difficult, but they have to be followed to the letter if a will is to be valid. Typically, wills have to be witnessed and signed by at least 2 people, and it must include a clear statement that the document is, in fact, a will. You should choose the witnesses carefully, because if they have any direct interest in the will, they won't count as valid witnesses.

Holographic Wills in Fitchburg, Massachusetts

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.

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 Fitchburg, Massachusetts Lawyer Help?

Because of the formalities that are required for most wills to be valid, it is typically a good idea to have a Fitchburg, Massachusetts attorney help you make it, or at least go over it after you have written it, to make sure there aren't any problems with it.

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

Life in Fitchburg

Fitchburg is the third largest city in Worcester County, Massachusetts. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 40,318 people. Fitchburg is a city big on education, being home to Fitchburg State University, and also seventeen public and private elementary and high schools.

Some fun sites to check out are Fitchburg Historical Society, the Fitchburg Art Museum, Coggshall Park, the Wallace Civic Center, and Cornerstone Performing Arts Center.

Notable residents of Fitchburg include Michael Beasley, George Crowther, Ryan Gomes, Art Longsjo, Pat Moran, and Marion Rice.

Many attorneys have established law offices in Fitchburg to take care of the legal needs of residents. These attorneys are very capable and focus on providing excellent legal services.

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