Charleston Wills Lawyer

Charleston Wills Attorney

If you pass without having a will in place, that lack of a legal document to guide the estate settling process can create headaches for your loved ones. The courts may ultimately make important decisions about how your estate is settled and who inherits your property. With the help of a Charleston wills lawyer, you can take steps to proactively guide how your assets are distributed following your death.

What Does a Will Do?

Anyone who is 18 or over can draft and sign this important legal document with the help of an estate planning lawyer. An attorney can help you draft a will that can address these important matters.

• Distribution of assets: One of the most important functions of a will is to specify how your assets are to be distributed to beneficiaries after your death. Common assets include property, money, and personal belongings.
• Executor appointment: As the person authorizing the will (testator), you can name an executor in your will. This person is responsible for managing your estate, paying debts, and distributing assets according to your wishes. It is important to choose someone who is trustworthy for this role. They should also have the time to handle this important matter.
• Guardianship of children: If you have minor children, a will allows you to appoint a guardian to take care of them in the event of your death.
• Express final wishes: A will can include specific instructions for funeral arrangements, charitable donations, or other personal wishes. These personalized instructions are an important component of any will.

Without a will, your estate will be distributed according to state intestacy laws, which may not reflect your personal wishes. A will ensure that your preferences are followed.

Benefits of Having a Will

A will is a fundamental component of any estate plan. Without a will in place, your loved ones will be largely at the mercy of the probate courts and state intestacy laws. This can create a significant burden for your loved ones, who may have to hire their own attorneys.

Having a properly executed will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. A will can expedite the probate process by reducing the time and costs associated with estate administration. The document allows you to appoint a guardian for minor children and specify your preferences for their care.

Without a properly executed will, the courts will divide and distribute your estate based on state guidelines that may not reflect your wishes. The laws require a judge to award assets to close relatives. If you desire to pass your inheritance to a distant relative or non-family member, you can only do so by specifying that desire through a properly executed will.

A will can even help minimize estate taxes and other expenses. This can preserve a greater portion of your estate for your beneficiaries. By clearly outlining your wishes, a will provides peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of according to your intentions.

Why Charlestonians Trust Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC

Finding a trusted law firm for will planning can be challenging. At Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, our lawyers are experienced, knowledgeable, and approachable.

We build strong professional relationships by understanding our client’s needs and goals. As respected litigators in West Virginia, we are known for our knowledge in various practice areas. We ensure you understand your case so that you can make informed decisions.

Whether you need help drafting a will or handling will-related litigation, you can rely on our firm for comprehensive and robust legal representation.

FAQs

Q: How Much Do Most Lawyers Charge for a Will in WV?

A: Any attorney will charge for their time and the resources it takes to help you draft and execute your will. The cost of a will is not burdensome and generally does not require large amounts of time for an estate lawyer.

By researching a qualified and experienced estate lawyer, you can ensure that the will serves your needs and purposes and is usable by the courts. Most estate planning attorneys charge an hourly rate that they should disclose during your consultation.

Q: How Much Does a Will Cost in West Virginia?

A: The cost of a will varies considerably. You have the option of drafting a will on your own, which could cost little to nothing, depending on whether you have the document notarized or not. Many people opt to hire an attorney as a means of ensuring that the document is properly drafted and executed. This can be done as part of the estate planning process.

The cost of hiring an attorney depends on how much they charge per hour and how many hours they require to draft your will. Drafting a will is usually not time-consuming for a lawyer.

Q: Do You Need a Lawyer for a Will in West Virginia?

A: You do not have to have a lawyer to draft a will in West Virginia, but having a lawyer can ensure that the document is admissible in court. Any inconsistencies, ambiguities, or errors in the will could call into question the validity of the document in court. Estate planning attorneys understand state probate law and how to carefully word wills so they are clear.

Q: What Type of Lawyer Is Ideal for Wills in WV?

A: Estate planning lawyers are suited to and trained to help you with estate planning matters like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. When searching for an estate planning attorney, look for a lawyer who has at least several years of experience. The right estate planning attorney can become a valuable resource because estate planning often requires revisiting your plan every couple of years.

Schedule Your Charleston Estate Planning Consultation Today

Wills are one of the most important components of estate planning. Whether you’re starting to draft your will or planning on updating an existing one, our lawyers are here to assist you. For years, Charlestonians have trusted Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, with their estate planning needs.

Our firm is known for reliable and thorough legal representation. We look forward to serving you and your family. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.