WILL

A will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, regardless of your marital status. If you do not specify who should inherit your estate, it can have severe financial consequences for your survivors. Your spouse or partner might even risk losing their home if the necessary documents are not in order. With a will, you can ensure your spouse remains in the house and specify the distribution of assets among your beneficiaries, within the constraints of local inheritance laws.

GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR WILL

Unfortunately, unprofessionally drafted wills often lead to disputes and complications when it comes to distributing the estate. We can guide you on your options and provide advice on saving estate duties and taxes. Our expertise in drafting wills ensures a smooth distribution of your assets. Contact a lawyer from ZT Legal Group for a no-obligation quote on creating a will.

WILL FOR MARRIED COUPLES

Even if you and your partner are married, you do not automatically inherit everything from each other. In many jurisdictions, children may inherit a portion of the estate immediately. A will allows for a distribution that gives the spouse a larger share than what is stipulated by law, which can help the surviving spouse remain in the home. Additionally, a will allows for a smoother division by specifying who gets which items. With a will, you can protect each other and determine how the inheritance is distributed.

WILL FOR UNMARRIED COUPLES

There may be various reasons for choosing to live together without getting married. However, this has consequences in the event of death. If you and your partner are not married, your cohabitation may not be recognized by inheritance laws, and you may not automatically inherit from each other. To ensure that your partner is provided for, it is necessary to create a will. Without a will, the estate is typically distributed according to local inheritance laws to any direct heirs, not to the partner.

Unmarried couples should draft wills in each other’s favor, otherwise, there may be no mutual right of inheritance. This applies regardless of whether you have children or how long you have lived together.

SINGLE INDIVIDUALS

If you are single and do not have direct heirs or a spouse, you can freely decide who should inherit your estate through a will. If you do not specify in a will and your closest surviving family are distant relatives, the state may inherit your estate. To avoid this and potentially benefit organizations, you need to create a will.

HOW TO CREATE A WILL

Inheritance laws are complex, and it is often not something you can handle alone. A will must be tailored to your specific situation and crafted in a way that leaves no doubt when the estate is to be distributed. A will is only valid if signed by a notary or by two witnesses, depending on your local legal requirements.

NOTARIAL WILL

Most people who draft a will seek assistance from a lawyer to ensure the will aligns with their wishes and financial circumstances. Inheritance laws can be complex but offer many options for securing the right distribution. Good advice from an inheritance lawyer is essential for finding the right solution.

A notarial will is a will that is written and signed or acknowledged before a notary. The notary does not help you draft the will but records it in a register. This ensures that the will is always brought to light and that your wishes are fulfilled. The cost of notarization may vary.

WITNESSED WILL

If you prefer not to create your will with a notary or do not have the time, you can create a will in front of two witnesses. A witnessed will saves the notary fee but comes with a higher risk of being contested. Additionally, there is a greater risk of the will being lost since it exists only in one copy.

For a witnessed will to be valid, several conditions must be met:

• The testator must sign the will in the presence of both witnesses simultaneously.
• The witnesses must immediately sign as witnesses.
• The witnesses must be legally competent and meet age requirements according to local laws.

REVIEW YOUR WILL

Everything changes over time. Therefore, it is advisable to have your will reviewed by a professional regularly. You may have had children, divorced, bought a house, or your wealth may have increased. Alternatively, inheritance laws may have changed.

If you already have a will, it is a good idea to have it reviewed regularly by a specialized lawyer, such as every three years.