Will Preparation in Lancaster, Ohio

Find the right Will Preparation attorney in Lancaster, OH

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

If your estate doesn't include a lot of money and property, and you only want to leave your assets to a few people, making a will can be pretty simple.

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

Most of the issues that plague wills stem from failure on the part of the drafter to comply with the required formalities. These requirements aren't terribly confusing, 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 Lancaster, Ohio

In some states, testators are permitted to make "holographic wills." This is a will which the testator hand-writes, in his or her own handwriting. Such wills do not need to have any witnesses to be given effect.

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.

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.

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 Lancaster, Ohio Lawyer Help?

Because of the formalities that must accompany most wills, it might be advisable to have a Lancaster, Ohio attorney help you draft it.

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

Life in Lancaster

Lancaster, Ohio is a city located in Fairfield County, Ohio. It has a population of about 35,000 people, as of the 2000 Census.

Several Native American tribes populated the area now known as Lancaster thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. European settlement of the area began in Earnest in the 1790s, at the earliest stages of America's westward expansion. Most early settlers of Lancaster, Ohio were of German descent, and emigrated from bordering Pennsylvania.

Lancaster rapidly grew as an agricultural center, and the canals that were being built in the region provided an easy way to quickly ship its produce to the large markets on the East Coast of the U.S.

Modernly, Lancaster is notable for its blend of 19th Century architecture, along with its natural beauty, with several nearby attractions (such as lakes and mountains) providing opportunities for hiking, swimming, and camping. Lancaster is also home to companies in several different manufacturing sectors, including glass.

As with any small-to-medium-sized American city, Lancaster has a fairly developed and tight-knit legal community. Lancaster, Ohio lawyers are well trained, experienced, and competent. They can handle just about any case that you might have.

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