Creating a last will is an important step in securing your legacy. Doing this puts your mind at ease that even if you die unexpectedly, you can distribute your assets according to your wishes.
However, even if you can state all your demands clearly, you cannot be sure everything will go as planned if you are no longer present. Someone may use certain loopholes in your will to take what is not rightfully theirs. It would be wise to take specific measures to make your will fraud-proof.
Choose your ally
The foundation of a fraud-proof will begin with selecting a trusted attorney to assist in its creation. You would want to choose someone with ample experience who, through time, might be more familiar with the situations that may lead to grounds of incompetence or undue influence. Because they know it may happen, they can counter any ambiguity in advance.
In addition, do not forget that a proper execution of your will involves having witnesses present during the signing. Be careful when selecting your witnesses. Make sure that these individuals are not beneficiaries and have no conflict of interest in your will’s contents.
Notarization may also further enhance the legitimacy of your will. It confirms your document’s authenticity and the testator’s identity.
Choose your words carefully
One straightforward way to prevent misunderstandings and disputes is to use clear and precise language in your will. If there are any ambiguities, disagreements may arise among your beneficiaries. You must ensure that your intentions leave no room for interpretation.
Keep copies and update records
To avoid tampering or being stolen, you might want to maintain multiple copies of your will and disclose any important updates, changes and the location of the copies only to those you trust, such as your attorney or a close family member.
Also, you must regularly review your will to ensure it reflects your current wishes and circumstances. Life events such as marriages, divorces, births and deaths may necessitate updates. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of fraud or disputes based on outdated information.
Creating a will is just the first step in securing your legacy. But it may not be enough to safeguard your final wishes as wills can be contested, especially if fraud is involved. To guarantee the intended distribution of your assets, you must take proactive steps to ensure your will is fraud-proof.
