Time goes by quickly when you turn into an adult. Aside from your job, you also must balance your time between your chores, your personal activities and rest. Every day is a constant cycle of making plans and trying your best to stick to it, but what about your future?
An essential part of life is realizing that planning your future should also include preparing for your death. By creating a will, you can ensure that your final wishes will be honored and your family will be taken care of.
What are the types of wills in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, there are only two types of wills acceptable by law — each with a distinct set of legal requirements. These conditions include:
- A handwritten will is called an olographic will. For this type of will to be valid, each page must be dated and signed.
- A printed will is called a notarial will. For this type of will to be valid, it must be signed while in the presence of a notary public and two competent witnesses.
The witnesses to the will should generally be “disinterested”, meaning they are not beneficiaries of the will. If the attending witness is a beneficiary, the gift that they are meant to inherit will be void.
How can I make sure my will is valid?
In Louisiana, a will must contain a number of key elements. To create a valid will, you must:
- Provide your full name and address.
- Name an executor (person who will manage your will after you pass).
- Choose a guardian/s (if you have any minor children).
- Explain in clear detail how you would like your assets to be divided.
- List the names of the people who will inherit each asset and property.
- Include a statement that you are of a sound mind and not under any pressure to write the will.
- Include a statement that cancels any of your previous wills (if any).
- List down a specific amount or item for certain individuals or organizations you want to include in your will.
- Identify any property not mentioned in the will.
- Include your signature, the date, and the witnesses’ signatures on the will (if it is a notarial testament).
By ensuring that the details in your will are complete and free of any errors, you can prevent invalidation of your will after you pass.
A will is important for everybody
Every individual deserves to leave the world with integrity. With the right guidance and tools, you can prepare your will with accuracy and be at peace in knowing that your loved ones can honor your wishes and inherit your assets the proper way.