Utah Last Will and Testament - Salt Lake Attorney

Most Utah estate planning attorneys recommend a last will and testament as the most fundamental estate planning document. A living trust is not a substitute for a last will and testament. For some people, a last will and testament is sufficient for their estate planning purposes. Some people will benefit  from having a living trust. But even with a living trust, a last will and testament is necessary to perform certain functions that a trust cannot accomplish. For help in creating a last will and testament or other estate planning tools, contact Utah estate planning attorney Stephen Howard.

Among the most common reasons that people create a last will and testament in Utah are the following:

• Name a guardian for your minor children
• Determine who will inherit your property
• Combine with a living trust to avoid probate
• Make probate easier (if probate cannot be avoided)
• Name a personal representative (aka executor or administrator)
• Make charitable donations/gifts
• Make a difficult time a little easier for your family

While there are many reasons to make a will, some of the most important reasons relate to the consequences of not making a will. If you have minor children and do not leave a will in Utah, the state court system will determine who will care for and raise your children. The state legislature (through the probate code sections dealing with intestate succession) decides who will receive even your most personal possessions. Without the written guidance a last will and testament provides as to your wishes, it is more likely that there may be arguments among your family members that survive you.

If you have not created a last will and testament, or if it has been longer than a couple of years since you updated your will and Utah estate plan, contact us today to arrange for an initial consultation with Utah estate planning attorney Stephen Howard. Based in Salt Lake City, Stephen Howard provides legal services to clients throughout Utah.