A lot of the complications that plague wills and estate plans in Baraboo, Wisconsin, such as contests by beneficiaries who think they got the short end, could have been avoided if the will had been better-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 if the will is comparatively simple, some problems which are very easy to avoid can still complicate the process. A brilliant Baraboo, Wisconsin wills and trusts lawyer can help you avoid these problems.

A considerable 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 Baraboo, Wisconsin

If you need to make a will quickly, some states authorize you to write a "holographic will." This is simply a will which the testator hand-writes. These types of wills don't need to be witnessed.

A holographic will, where they are authorized, will typically be interpreted liberally, to give effect to the testator's intent if at all possible.

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 talk 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 Baraboo, Wisconsin Lawyer Help?

Because there are particular formalities which must be followed in drafting wills, it's always a good idea to seek the help of a Baraboo, Wisconsin 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.