Also referred to as the "last will and testament", this legal document outlines how to distribute assets of the deceased after their passing. A will appoints the executor selected to complete the estate administration process and names beneficiaries of the estate. A will must meet legal requirements in the jurisdiction of the estate in order to be validated by the courts. If there are multiple wills or disputes about the legitimacy of the will then families should consult with legal counsel.
What you need to know
Someone's will and last testament is a formal legal instrument that dictates what someone wants to happen to their property after they pass away.
What to do when a loved one dies
When people die, they leave behind a life that must be closed out. Don't tackle it all alone. From planning the funeral to tackling the legal & financial estate, here's an ultimate checklist of all the things an executor needs to do following the loss of a loved one.
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