Suppose you have a will that is 20 years old. Maybe it leaves practically everything to your ex-wife and nothing to your new wife. Would such a will still be valid?
Yes, it can be sometimes. However, the age of the will may raise some issues.
Are old wills valid?
Basic requirements for a valid will
Making a will can give you control over what happens to your assets after you pass away. A well-drafted, specific will with clear provisions can also go a long way towards minimizing potential conflicts and misunderstandings later on.
The first thing you want to ensure is that your will meets basic legal requirements for validity. While these requirements can seem simple on the surface, the amount of litigation that has arisen over the years concerning these issues shows it is better to work with a lawyer rather than assume your will is just fine the way it is.
What happens if you do not leave a will in Washington state
Making a will is often one of those tasks people find a reason to put off. However, life can take unpredictable turns. Planning your property disposition in advance can save your loved ones many headaches and ensure your estate distribution occurs in accordance with your wishes.
Estate planning can begin with making a will, but can also include other legal mechanisms such as trusts. An experienced attorney can listen to your concerns and advise you on the best solutions for your circumstances.
How to prepare finances for a divorce
Many married couples end up getting divorced. In 2015 alone, the state of Washington had over 24,000 divorces take place, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
One of the biggest factors of any divorce is money. Assets get divided, and couples spend a lot of funds on the divorce process itself. People going through this time need to be wise about their finances so that once all this is over, they can be on the right foot fiscally speaking.
How to become your child's legal father in Washington
If you had a child with a woman outside of marriage and you want a legal relationship with the child, you have options. You probably have questions about your rights as a father and if you will play an active role in the life of your child. This key information regarding the process of establishing paternity in Washington will clarify what benefits you can enjoy.
Washington paternity statutes
What to do with your mortgage during a divorce
Divorce is a frustrating and emotional thing to go through. It can also cause strain on your finances. Any divorcing couple should take stock of their shared assets, including the home mortgage. You might be wondering how to handle your shared real estate during your divorce and who will be responsible for payments. Here are some tips on how to get you through the divorce without financial devastation.
Three things to remember about your future after divorce
A divorce can leave many people ruined emotionally and financially. Taking a few moments to prepare yourself for what is about to happen can help you make sure that you emerge from your divorce in a positive place. This posting discusses some of the things that you can do to limit the financial harm that may result from your divorce.
The financial challenges of grey divorce
A divorce is rarely easy for anyone. It is typically an emotional time, as both parties are dealing with the breakup of the marriage. There are other factors as well- children, division of property and finances, just to name a few. For those facing a "gray divorce"- one that occurs after the age of fifty, dealing with the financial aspects of a divorce can be especially difficult.
