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The last will and testament is a relatively straightforward legal document which ensures that your wishes for distribution of your estate are respected after you're gone. Unfortunately, this apparent simplicity leaves possible room for error, as the estate planning attorney at The Law Offices of Charley Johnson in Centerville, TX, explains.

When you're writing your will, they recommend taking steps to avoid these common mistakes:

  • Not Updating A Will: Few outcomes cause as much chaos in the wake of a family member's death than an out-of-date will. To avoid the uncertainty and possible familial conflict, review and update your will periodically, especially after major life events like marriage, divorce, the birth of children, and the death of a named beneficiary.
  • lawyerNeglecting The Tax Consequences: While the value of your estate may not be sufficient to trigger the IRS estate tax, some assets may be included in the calculation which you might not consider. Retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and trusts can all be added to your estate for tax purposes. When calculating beneficiary amounts, consider this possible reduction in available assets.
  • Not Bequeathing Everything: Most people assume that any assets they don't specifically distribute in their will would be divided among their family members, but this isn't always the case. If your will does not include a disposition of the residue or remainder of your estate, it is possible that those assets could pass according to the laws of intestate succession as determined by State law. Which could mean they would be distributed to a  person(s) that you did not want to have that asset. The best way to avoid this is to include a residuary clause describing what should happen to anything not specifically named in the will.

Whether you're looking for a compassionate estate planning lawyer, a skilled divorce attorney, or representation on any other legal matters, The Law Offices of Charley Johnson have the legal expertise and services you're looking for. Visit their website to learn more about how they can help, or call (903) 536-2185 to schedule a consultation with this talented lawyer today.

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