Based on West Virginia law, a properly drawn Last Will and Testament assures that a person’s plans for the assets they have accumulated over their lifetime will be carried out and should simplify the administration of a deceased person’s estate.

Many people avoid thinking about it, much less meeting with an attorney and making a will because they are unwilling to face the question of death.

When a person dies without leaving a will, there is a higher chance of conflict erupting among the deceased’s loved ones. The family’s grief is often made worse by disagreements among the heirs over the division of the estate.

A will is simply a legal document which sets forth clearly and legally the manner in which you want your property to be distributed following your death.

Since estate taxes are not a concern for most Americans, many think they do not need a will. Without a will, West Virginia State Law will determine who will administer your estate, how your assets will be distributed and who will care for your minor children. Those who do not have a will are ignoring the important aspect of making sure that their hard-earned assets help those who deserve and need them most. Their proactive planning would make their wishes known for the disposition of their estate.

During 2020, estates of less than $11.58 million will not face federal estate taxes. Also, West Virginia does not have an estate tax. For married couples, if both spouses pass away during the year, any of the $11.58 million tax-free amount not used by the first spouse’s estate can be applied to the other’s.

Who May Make a Will?

The maker of a will must be at least 18 years old, of sound mind, and free from improper influence.

How Should a Will Be Made?

The will should be written, witnessed, and signed strictly in accordance with West Virginia law. No beneficiary under the will or the beneficiary’s spouse should act as a witness. It is important to have the testator’s and witnesses’ signatures attested by a notary public. Handwritten wills are recognized in many states, including West Virginia, if certain statutory requirements are strictly fulfilled.

May a Will Be Changed?

People may change their wills as often as they desire. Changes can be simply and easily made by drafting a new will or by the addition of an amendment called a “codicil.” However, any change or codicil must comply with the same laws that pertain to the making of a will.

How Long Is a Will Valid?

A properly drawn and executed will remains valid until it is changed or revoked. However, changes in circumstances after a will has been made, such as new tax laws, marriage, divorce, birth of children or grandchildren, or even a substantial change in the nature or amount of a person’s estate, can affect the adequacy of the will or change the manner in which the estate will be distributed.

All changes in circumstances require a careful analysis and reconsideration of all the provisions in a will and may make it advisable to change the will or conform to the new situation. It is a good idea to review your will at least every four or five years to be sure it is still appropriate.

Does a Will Increase Expenses at Death?

No. It usually costs less to administer an estate when a person leaves a will than when the person does not.

A properly drafted will may reduce the expense of administration in a number of ways. For example, posting bond by the executor can be avoided and provisions can be placed in wills which take full advantage of the “marital deduction” allowed under the federal and state tax laws.

How Large an Estate Is Necessary to Justify a Will?

Everyone who owns any real or personal property should have a will, regardless of the present amount of the estate. Your estate grows daily in value through the repayment of mortgages, appreciation of real estate, stocks and other securities, inheritances from relatives, and other factors.

May a Person Dispose of Property In Any Way?

Almost, but not quite. For example, a married person cannot completely exclude a spouse. Also, insurance proceeds, retirement funds, and jointly owned property are examples of assets that usually are controlled independently of a will.

What Happens When You Don’t Make A Will?

When a person dies without a will, or dies “intestate” as the law calls it, the property of the deceased is distributed according to a formula fixed by law. In other words, if you don’t make a will, you don’t have any say as to how your property will be distributed.

No specific gifts to individuals and others, including your favorite charitable organizations, can be made without a will.

Most importantly, relatives do not automatically receive custody of children who do not have a surviving parent. Your will should specify the individuals you would like to designate as guardians of your children.

Who Will Manage Your Estate?

When you have a will prepared, you may name the person you want to mange the administration of your estate. If you do not make a will, then the Court will appoint someone, whom you may or may not know, to handle the affairs of your estate.

Does a Will Avoid

Estate Taxes?

A properly drafted will may reduce the amount of taxes that have to be paid. Many wills written without consideration of recent federal and state tax laws should be re-examined with reference to tax problems if it seems likely that the estate will be taxable.

What Happens to Property Held in The Names of Both Spouses?

Joint bank accounts and real property held in the names of both husband and wife with rights of survivorship usually pass to the survivor by law and not by the terms of the deceased’s will. If the property is owned as tenants in common, one-half of it will be transferred by will at the owner’s death.

There are many cases, however, in which it is not to your advantage to hold property as joint owners, especially in situations where one or both estates will likely owe federal estate taxes.

Is a Life Insurance Program a Substitute For a Will?

No. Life insurance is only one kind of property a person may own. If a life insurance policy is payable to an individual or nonprofit organization, the will of the insured has no effect on the proceeds. If the policy is payable to the estate of the insured, the payment of the proceeds may be directed by a will. The careful person will have a lawyer and a life insurance counselor work together on a life insurance program, particularly in the area of estate planning.

Who Should Draft a Will?

The drafting and signing of a will is a delicate operation and must be done in accordance with the requirements of state law where you reside (your “legal domicile”). It requires professional judgment which can only be developed through years of legal training and study of your particular situation. It is a crucial way to protect all that you’ve worked so hard to earn. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you have an experienced attorney draft your will.

Can I Prepare My Own Will?

While a person is free to prepare his or her own will by consulting free or purchased resources about wills or using pre-printed forms, this is a complex area of the law. Without a legal background, it is difficult to determine whether the information or forms will adequately meet your needs and provide the least administrative costs and taxes overall. You may not follow the directions appropriately, and the will could fail to qualify as a valid legal document. By choosing a “free” option now, your family may be forced to spend a great deal of money later to clear things up that would have been handled appropriately in the will prepared by a competent lawyer.