Overview

• September is the national Month of the Will, and notaries are calling on people to formalize testaments to prevent disputes and ensure legal certainty.
• Experts say a will speeds the delivery of inheritances, reduces overall costs, and provides immediate legal clarity for families.
• If someone dies without a will, the law designates heirs in order—children, grandchildren, spouse, ascendants or siblings—often leading to longer and costlier proceedings.
• Condusef cautions that many overlook assets such as cars, bank accounts, land, Afore balances or insurance when assuming they have nothing to bequeath.
• Wills can name guardians, specify heirs or legacies, forgive debts and appoint an albacea whose typical term is one year with defined fees, and the process is completed by stating instructions to a notary who drafts the document for signature.