How To Prepare A Valid Arizona Will
At some point in your life, you’ve probably made something that was sort of okay. It wasn’t exactly right, though. Putting up wallpaper that makes the room look small can be easily fixed. That’s not true with something as important as your Will. It should be well-written and comply with Arizona law to be considered a valid Arizona Will.
First Things First In Writing An Arizona Will
Gather information about your assets and beneficiaries. Before you write your Will, you need to know what you have. Also, try to pull together contact information for anyone you’ll name in your Will, including beneficiaries, executors, and trustees.
Spend some time deciding who will get your property after you’re gone. Maybe you just want to leave everything to one person, perhaps a surviving spouse? There may be special people in your life that you would like to reward with a gift, also.
Next Is The Legal Stuff In Order To Have A VALID Arizona Will
Are you eligible to make a Will? If you are of sound mind and age 18 or over, you are ready to move on.
In Arizona, your Will must be in writing, signed by you. It must be witnessed by at least two people, who will also sign the Will. Most Wills are typed, but Arizona does allow Wills that are handwritten, called holographic Wills. However, the parts of the Will that name beneficiaries and gifts must be in your handwriting only.
Will may be “self-proved.” This means the testator (you), and the witnesses signed an affidavit confirming that all of you signed the Will. Unlike the Will, the self-proving affidavit must be signed before a notary public. Most people sign the Will and the affidavit at the same time in the presence of the notary.
Preparing Your Will Is Just The Beginning
If you’re ready to write your Will, congratulations! You’re doing something that only about 44% of Americans have done. Make sure you cover all the bases by signing an advanced healthcare directive and a durable power of attorney, too.
For more information or to set up an appointment with qualified Arizona estate planning attorneys, give us a call at (480) 418-8448. We offer services for clients throughout Arizona, including Chandler, Gilbert, Sun Lakes, Tempe, Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Apache Junction.
