Estate Planning 101 – Last Will and Testament Summary

In this blog, we have been on an Estate Planning 101 series for some time. The recent focus of that broad series shifted into another sub-series in recent weeks: using the timely and newsworthy example of Aretha Franklin to discuss the basic issues of dying without a will.

This post will give a broad summary of the Last Will and Testament (or shortened: Will), based on those posts.

In sum, a Will is a legal document made in a certain form, signed with certain formalities, which allows a person to:

– Control who their property passes to at death;

– Put the right person(s) in charge of their estate;

– Consider doing tax or other planning;

– Nominate a guardian for minor children;

There are certainly other issues that could be discussed and should be part of any estate planning discussion.

But hopefully this series on the intestacy (no will) of Aretha Franklin, along with the broader Estate Planning 101 series, has given readers a better understanding of the importance of the Last Will and Testament.

If our office may be of assistance to you in these areas, do not hesitate to contact us at (580) 338-6503 or at coryhicks@fieldandhicks.com or using any of our contact information in the profile.  You can also visit www.fieldandhicks.com for more information.

This blog contains general information and the opinions of the author – not legal advice; you should seek the advice of competent counsel (attorney/lawyer) when considering any legal issues.