When you bring up the subject of estate planning to the typical layperson he or she is usually going to equate the exercise with drawing up a last Will. Indeed, putting your final wishes into writing via a well constructed, legally binding last Will is certainly an option.
It is interesting to note that in certain jurisdictions one can execute an oral will by stating his or her intentions verbally with witnesses present. This would be done under extreme circumstances when death was imminent and such a proclamation is less than ideal, but oral Wills have been recognized historically in some places.
There is also something called a holographic Will that is completely handwritten and signed by the individual stating his or her wishes. Ideally there would be witnesses signing as well but there have been cases when holographic Wills that have not been witnessed have been recognized in some jurisdictions.
And then there are do-it-yourself Wills. Though there are websites out there these days that are willing to sell you generic template last Will documents this is an avenue to avoid. There is no one-size-fits-all estate plan, and the best way to proceed is going to vary on a case-by-case basis. You can’t trust a single generic document provided by a faceless Internet entity to direct the transfer of assets to your loved ones in the event of your death.
Clearly, the wise course of action is to leave nothing to chance and do things the right way. If you are currently unprepared, take action right now to set up an appointment to meet with a licensed and experienced South Carolina estate planning attorney. Your lawyer will become apprised of your intentions and assist you in a professional manner as you create an ironclad estate plan for the well-being of your family.
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