Simple Wills and Estate Planning

Older employees often think of retirement and the estate they will leave behind to the beneficiaries. A simple will is usually one of the first things that come to mind when deciding what to do. However, even a simple will can be a complex process, and it does require careful thought.

The Basics of a Will

It is a legal document that establishes a person’s wishes regarding their property and the guardianship of their children in the event of death. It is essential to prepare a will so that assets are properly distributed when a person dies, and the individual’s loved ones are taken care of properly.

As an estate planning tool, a simple will leave clear instructions on who inherits what. The document does not have to be lengthy; six pages are sufficient for most people, and group legal plans offer will drafting as a pre-paid legal services option.

Vital Information Required

There are some necessary documents a person needs to have before creating a will.

Full legal name
Social Security or tax ID number
List of all assets
Names and contact information of any beneficiaries who will be included in the will.

The simple will is essential in estate planning because it helps avoid probate fees, protects estate assets from creditors, can reduce inheritance taxes, and give other instructions. It is a process that can provide peace of mind, but this is not something for an amateur to write.

The challenge is that anyone unfamiliar with probate law can make mistakes. There are templates on the Internet, but not all of them can address an individual’s specific needs. Selecting a good executor is critical because that person will pay all the estate bills and ensure that the distribution of assets is in line with the wishes of the deceased. Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services allows group legal plan members to have a seasoned professional do the writing.

Experienced Lawyers Give Their Best

Our national network of attorneys ensures that there is one in the community of every Countrywide client. Our plan members get priority status and can easily contact a Countrywide attorney. This legal expert is familiar with the state’s probate law and writes a document consistent with the existing law.

A Countrywide attorney also advises on how to select an executor. All questions are answered, and a plan member is allowed an unlimited number of telephone calls to the attorney on specific matters. In addition, the Countrywide attorney can make telephone calls or write letters on legal stationery to get the data if additional information is required.

Periodic Review Is Helpful

Situations change as the years go by, and beneficiaries might need to be added or dropped from the will. Countrywide helps people by reminding them annually to look at their will to see if any changes must be made.

The group legal plan member can then contact the Countrywide attorney and get those changes made. There is no need to have a brand-new document created when an organization is affiliated with Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services.

The Plan Is a Cooperative Effort

We work with a client to develop a group legal plan that meets the needs of employees. All our pre-paid legal services are explained to a prospective client, and their management determines what options will be included in the final plan document. We do not push one benefit over another and let the decision-makers choose. Countrywide will provide the administration and member services.