A will is an essential estate planning document that specifies what you want to be done with your assets after your death. But a will is not only important after your death: you will is a critical document to specify your wishes if you become critically ill or are otherwise temporarily incapacitated. Writing a will in Illinois does not have to be difficult or complicated: but it must follow Illinois probate laws.
A will must meet the legal requirements of the state it was executed in to be valid. Most states will also recognize a will that was executed in another state if it is a valid will under that state’s laws.
1. Make a Video Will
Illinois requires that a will must be in writing on a piece of paper. If you choose to leave a video will explaining your wishes to your beneficiaries, you also need to create a written document that states the authenticity of the will and when it was executed.
2. Keep Your Will A Secret
A will must be signed by the person creating the testament, called the testator and by two witnesses, according to Illinois law. The witnesses are NOT required to read your will: you can keep the contents of your will entirely confidential. They are saying they witnessed you sign your will, not that they know the contents of the will.
3. Hide Your Will
Your will should be kept in a safe place, but it should be stored somewhere where it’s accessible in the event of an emergency or your death. The purpose of a will is to let your wishes be known and followed – and if no one knows where to find your will, it may not be found until its too late!
If someone dies without a will in the state of Illinois, they are said to have died “intestate.” State laws will determine how and to whom the person’s assets will be distributed.
Making a will doesn’t have to be difficult. An experienced estate and probate lawyer can guide you through the process so nothing is overlooked, and you can be sure that your will complies with Illinois probate laws. To talk to a probate, trust and estates attorney. Contact the Estate & Probate Legal Group at 630-800-0112.
