How long does it take to make a will in North Carolina? This is a question many people ask when they start thinking about the future. Most of us put off this task. We think it will be a headache or take forever, but in reality, the steps are often simpler than you might expect.
What goes into the writing process
The time it takes to finish your will depends mostly on your own life. If you have a house, several bank accounts, and a business, it will take longer to list everything. However, if you only have a few items and one person to leave them to, you could be done in just a few days. For most families, the preparation part takes a few weeks because you have to look at your bank statements, retirement funds, and property deeds. You need a full picture of what you own and what you owe before you can give it away. Common items you should look for include:
- Real estate and land deeds
- Checking and savings account numbers
- Retirement accounts and stocks
- Lists of valuable personal items like jewelry or cars
Picking the people who get your assets
Once you know what you have, you have to decide who gets it. These people are your beneficiaries. You can choose family members, friends, or even charities. If you have young children, you also need to think about who will look after them. Taking a few days to really think about these choices is a smart move. You want to make sure your choices reflect your current relationships.
Putting the words on paper
After you have your list of assets and your list of people, the drafting begins. Working with an estate planning lawyer helps make sure the language is right. While some people try to do this online for a low price, like 350 dollars, those documents might not work in a North Carolina court. A lawyer can often get a draft ready for you quickly once they have your information. This ensures that your wishes are clear and that the court will follow them later.
Making the document official
North Carolina has specific rules for a will to be legal. You must be an adult with a sound mind. You have to sign the paper, and two witnesses must watch you sign it. The law says a valid will must:
- Be in writing
- Be signed by the person making it
- Be signed by two witnesses who saw the person sign the document
You do not have to file this with a court right away, but you should keep it in a safe place. Some people leave their will with the Clerk of Court for safekeeping. This keeps it safe from fire, water damage, or getting lost.
Choosing someone to run the estate
You need to name an executor. This is the person who will handle your bills and give out your property after you pass away. It should be someone you trust completely. Think about:
- Your spouse or partner
- An adult child
- A sibling or a long-time friend
Talk to them first so they know where to find the master copy of your will and other important papers.
Why having this paper helps your family
A will gives your family a roadmap. Without it, the court uses state laws to decide who gets your money. This is called intestacy. Usually, the state gives things to your spouse and kids first. If you have no close family, your money could even go to the state. A will stops family fights because your choices are written down. It also makes the court process move much faster. It saves everyone a lot of stress during a hard time.
Other papers that help you
A full plan usually has more than just a will. You might want a living will for medical choices or a power of attorney. A power of attorney lets someone help you if you get sick and cannot speak for yourself. These tools keep your wealth from being wasted on court costs.
Keeping your plan current
You should check your will every two years. Life changes fast. Update your will if you experience:
- The birth of a child or grandchild
- Getting married or divorced
- A big change in your bank account balance
- Moving to a new home
If the law changes or your health shifts, you need to update your papers. When you are ready to start your estate plan, call Salines-Mondello at (910) 777-5734 for help.