Overview
- Throughout September, notary offices are offering reduced fees of up to 50%, free legal advice, extended hours and other facilitation to formalize wills.
- Notaries say a will accelerates the delivery of inheritances, lowers costs and provides immediate legal certainty that helps prevent family disputes.
- A testament can name heirs or legatees, appoint an executor (albacea) with defined duties and compensation, and designate guardians for minor children.
- Although animals cannot inherit, testators can name a trusted caregiver and set aside resources with instructions to ensure pets’ ongoing care.
- Authorities remind people who think they own little that assets like a car, bank accounts, land, retirement savings or insurance still warrant making a will, while dying intestate often triggers a lengthier, costlier judicial process.