
Did you know you can WRITE YOUR OWN WILL? Yes, really. Yes, it’s legally valid, at least in my state of California. You want to write a will today? Let’s do it right NOW!
1) Go grab a nice pen and a piece of paper.
2) In YOUR OWN WRITING write something to show it is clearly your will. Maybe something like, “I, _______, write this as my last will….”
3) Write who the Executor should be. Something like, “I choose _______ to be my Executor and if they aren’t able to do it then I want _______ to serve in that capacity.”
4) Write who gets your stuff but keep it simple. Something like, “I want my assets distributed as follows:
25% to my son Bob and if dies before me to his children
25% to the Placer SPCA
25% to my neighbor Jill if then living
25% to WEAVE.”
5) Sign it.
6) Date it.
7) Put it in a safe place!
Obviously this should not be your permanent estate plan but if you are about to jump on a plane and want something this is better than nothing. Once you get back from your trip call me and let’s get you in for a more complete estate plan!
-John
P.S. This simple plan does NOT avoid probate of course. Again, it’s only a short term fix until you have time to get something more formal put together.