Legal Representation for Family
Law, Estate Planning,
and Bankruptcy Matters
Law, Estate Planning,
and Bankruptcy Matters
Understanding the Limits of Wills
Exploring What Wills Cannot Do
Wills offer a straightforward and cost-effective solution for many estate planning objectives, but there are limitations to their capabilities. James H. Wilson Law Firm wants you to understand the estate planning tools that may be necessary beyond a simple will. Here are some key estate matters that a will cannot address.
Property Types That Cannot Be Bequeathed Through a Will
It’s important to recognize that certain assets cannot be distributed through your will, such as:
- Jointly held property with rights of survivorship.
- Assets placed in a living trust.
- Life insurance payouts with assigned beneficiaries.
- Accounts like IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement plans that have specific beneficiary designations.
- Assets with a transfer-on-death (TOD) arrangement, including possibly stocks, bonds, and in some places, real estate or vehicles.
- Payable-on-death (POD) account funds.
Specifying Funeral Arrangements in a Will
Since wills are generally not reviewed immediately following a death, they are not the best place to communicate your funeral wishes. Instead, document your preferences separately and inform your executor where to locate this document.
Estate Tax Mitigation Strategies Beyond a Will
If you anticipate your estate may incur federal estate taxes, a proactive approach involving trusts and other strategies is necessary, as a simple will does not minimize these taxes.
The Role of a Will in Probate
Assets dispensed in a will are subject to probate, which can delay the distribution process. To ensure a smoother transition, other estate planning tools should be considered.
Imposing Restrictions on Gifts
You are limited by law in imposing certain types of conditions on bequests made in a will, such as those depending on the marriage, divorce, or religious conversion of the beneficiary. Less significant stipulations can be included but may complicate the estate management process.
Prohibitions on Bequests
Legally, you cannot allocate funds from your estate for unlawful activities or purposes.
Establishing Care for a Special Needs Beneficiary
A will is not suitable for setting up long-term care provisions for a beneficiary with special needs. Instead, a tailored special needs trust should be established.
Pets and Your Will
Pets cannot legally own property, so you shouldn’t leave assets directly to them in your will. It’s better to designate a caretaker and leave them funds for the pet’s care. Some jurisdictions do allow animal trusts, however, which could be a viable option.
At James H. Wilson Law Firm, we are here to guide you through the complexities of estate planning. For personalized advice on your unique situation, please call us at 804.740.6464.