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Estate Planning · Wills
A will is often the first estate planning document families create. We help you write one that reflects your wishes, fits your state’s requirements, and works with the rest of your plan.
The basics
A will is a legal document that takes effect at your death. It lets you:
State law decides who inherits your property, and a court chooses who settles your estate and who cares for your minor children.
Know the limits
A will is important, but it has limits. Knowing them helps you decide whether a will alone is enough.
Will or trust?
For some families, a will paired with powers of attorney and up-to-date beneficiary designations is a sound plan. Others benefit from a revocable living trust, especially if they own real estate in more than one state, want to avoid probate, want privacy, or want more control over how and when children inherit. We’ll walk through both options with you during your free consultation.
01
We learn about your family, your property, and your goals.
02
We recommend the documents that fit your situation, which may include a will, powers of attorney, and health care directives.
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Your attorney prepares your will under the laws of your state.
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We supervise signing with the witnesses your state requires, and add a notarized self-proving affidavit where available, so your will is valid and easy to probate.
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Review your will after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, a birth, a death, or the purchase or sale of property.
Wills FAQ
General information only. Schedule a free consultation for advice about your situation.
Yes, usually. A pour-over will catches any assets left outside your trust and is also where you nominate guardians for minor children.
You can, but do-it-yourself wills often fail to meet signing requirements or leave out important provisions. Mistakes are usually discovered only after death, when they can no longer be fixed.
State law decides who inherits your property, and the court appoints someone to settle your estate. The result may not match what you would have wanted.
Yes. You can update or replace your will at any time while you have capacity. Changes should be made formally with the required signatures, not by writing on the original.
Somewhere safe that your executor can access, and let your executor know where it is. We can talk through storage options at signing.
Related
Avoid probate, plan for incapacity, and control how your family inherits.
Choose who handles your finances and health care decisions if you can’t.
Guidance for settling a loved one’s estate through the court process.
Free resources
Free masterclass
Short classes on estate planning, long-term care, probate, and trust administration, presented by Pearson Bollman Law attorneys.
Free guide
A free guide to help you organize your information and prepare for a conversation about your plan.
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Whether you’re creating an estate plan for the first time or updating documents that no longer reflect your life, Pearson Bollman Law is here to provide clear guidance every step of the way. Your initial consultation is free.
