This is the first post in a series of articles in which we will discuss issues to be considered when preparing a Last Will and Testament in Hartford, Connecticut. Wills are an important part of any estate plan. Despite the fact that most people are familiar with the purpose of a Will, they are not always educated about how to create an enforceable document that complies with Connecticut’s legal requirements. Writing a valid and effective document is imperative to making sure that your plans are implemented as you intended upon your death. Our goal in this series is to provide information about Will preparation and common issues that arise during the process. It is also our goal to encourage residents to contact an experienced estate planning attorney to assist you with the process and to avoid common mistakes that may negatively impact your planning goals. If you need assistance, contact our office today to speak with a lawyer.
This series will address the following key topics:
- The legal requirements for creating a valid Will in Connecticut
- Common issues addressed in a Will
- Common mistakes Connecticut residents make when preparing a Will
- The importance of updating a Will
- The importance of hiring an attorney specializing in estate planning
For residents preparing a Last Will and Testament, these issues are important for a variety of reasons. First, many people believe that they can create a valid Will by simply writing down their final wishes on a piece of paper. This is not the case. Connecticut law establishes very specific rules that must be followed to create an enforceable document. Failure to adhere to the rules means a Will cannot be enforced. Second, residents may not know the types of issues that can be handled through their Wills. A Will is a versatile document that can accomplish various estate planning goals. Third, in addition to non-compliance with legal requirements, there are other common mistakes that residents make in developing their Wills. It is important to consider these issues during your estate planning. Fourth, the occurrence of major life events, such as births, deaths, marriages, and divorces can change a person’s estate planning goals. It is imperative to update one’s Will after such events to ensure that the document remains accurate and avoid unintended consequences such as the Will becoming invalid if one of these events occurs after the Will was signed. Finally, given the importance of estate planning and the impact on one’s family and friends, it is essential to consult with an attorney who specializes in this field when creating a Will. Self-help or working with an experienced lawyer can have disastrous consequences.
Our firm has significant estate planning experience and we are ready to assist you. Contact our office today to speak with a Hartford lawyer. We also serve the areas of Wethersfield, New Britain, Rocky Hill, East and West Hartford, Bristol, Glastonbury, and Manchester, as well as the Middlesex County cities of Middletown and Cromwell.
