Top Estate Planning & Probate Attorney Ana Veliz Highlights Mistakes To Avoid When Preparing A Will - Coral Gables, FL

Jan 30, 2024

Leading Probate Attorney Ana Veliz, founder of the Law Offices of Ana M. Veliz, P.A. in Coral Gables, FL stresses the importance of creating a will to guide asset distribution and avoid confusion among family members or legal challenges. For more information please visit https://velizlaw.com

Coral Gables, Florida, United States - January 30, 2024 —

Failing to create a will to guide loved ones on distributing an estate's assets is as bad as not reviewing one regularly, disclosed Ana M. Veliz, one of Florida's leading estate planning attorneys.

For more information please visit https://velizlaw.com

In an interview this week revealing some of the basic mistakes involving wills and estate planning, Veliz was vocal in one particular aspect.

She said: "Many people decide to put estate planning on the back burner because they don't think it affects them or don't want to think about the realities of death and what will happen to their assets.''

"But either reason is potentially ignorant of their loved ones. They will have to pick up the pieces and deal with an estate when they should be grieving. Estate planning should be done today because no one knows what will happen in the future."

The Founder of Ana M. Veliz, P.A. in Coral Gables, said not making even a basic will or considering estate planning could leave any asset distribution open to confusion among family members and even legal challenges.

"Dying intestate, or without a will, means that a probate court will distribute a person's assets, and they could end up in someone's possession that they would never have even considered as a beneficiary," she added.

Writing a will and setting out their wishes would not only give them and their loved ones greater peace of mind but could also navigate issues around the potential of them becoming incapacitated and unable to make decision-making independently, she said.

Veliz added: "Creating a will avoids potential problems down the line, but you need to ensure it is correctly written. Seek professional legal advice from an estate planning or elder law attorney to discuss all your options."

Usually, one making a will should sign it in the presence of two witnesses, who also counter-sign it in the presence of each other and the will-signer. Failing to do so could invalidate the will, and those wishes might not be fulfilled.

Veliz said: "All signatures need to be notarized at the same time to make it easier for the will to be admitted to Probate without locating the witnesses after death.

"A will should be considered a living document, but forgetting about it is commonplace. After establishing a will, continually review and update it if anything changes in your life or you receive new assets. As law and legal strategies change, review your will at least every three to five years."

People often make the error of assuming their will governs assets or property under beneficiary designation. "When it comes to deciding what to put in a will, you should only include property and assets that belong to you," she added.

Assets jointly owned will not pass by your will but to the surviving joint owner. You shouldn't include assets or property with designated beneficiaries such as "payable-on-death" or "transfer-on-death".

Veliz said: "Any conditions in your will that you set out for assets that already have designations or are jointly owned will be invalidated."

Veliz said that failing to consult an Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney is the biggest mistake to befall anyone considering making a will, adding: "Many factors need to be considered and could be easily overlooked without the help of a professional."

"A will covers many areas, including funeral arrangements and care for children if it applies. An attorney can also advise on the need for contingency plans in a will if you become incapacitated or the benefits of creating a Trust."

Source: http://RecommendedExperts.biz

Contact Info:
Name: Ana M. Veliz
Email: Send Email
Organization: Law Offices of Ana M. Veliz, P.A.
Address: 2600 Douglas Rd Suite 710, Coral Gables, FL 33134, United States
Phone: (305) 703-5198
Website: https://velizlaw.com

Release ID: 89119796

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