Creating a will is an important step in ensuring your wishes are honored once you pass away. While it is important to know what to include in your will, it is also essential that you know what you should leave out of this legal document.
At the office of Robert G. Spaugh, Attorney at Law, we practice estate law and want to help you put together a will that benefits your situation. As an estate law firm, here are a few things we recommend keeping out of your will:
- Non-probate assets — Certain assets do not need to go through probate and should be left out of your will. Some of these include retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and any properties you hold in joint tenancy. Instead, ensure you have designated beneficiaries for these assets to avoid complications.
- Funeral arrangements — While you might want to outline your preferences for funeral arrangements as part of the estate law process, it is better to communicate these wishes directly to your family or include them in a separate document. Wills can take time to execute, and you want your wishes to be clear and readily accessible.
- Digital assets and online accounts — Your digital presence is often overlooked as part of the estate planning process. Instead of detailing your online accounts in your will, consider creating a digital estate plan. This can include passwords and instructions for managing your online profiles, ensuring your digital legacy is handled according to your wishes.