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Home >> 3 Common Beliefs About Wills That Are (Nearly) Completely Baseless

3 Common Beliefs About Wills That Are (Nearly) Completely Baseless

May 7, 2012 by Robert Kulas. Leave a Comment

Common Belief 1: My lawyer will have my will read aloud to my family.

This is one of the more enduring myths about Wills that owes its existence to its repeated use in movies and popular fiction. The dramatic scene where your lawyer reads the terms of your Will to your family and suddenly everybody becomes aware of your wishes is almost entirely fictitious. There is no legal requirement in any state for any such ceremony. In order to create a legally valid Will, you must create a document that complies with your state’s laws and, after you die, have the document approved by the court. However, there is no requirement for you to have anyone read your will out loud or assemble your beneficiaries in the same place at the same time.

Common Belief 2: My will can be kept in secret.

While you can make your Will and choose who receives your property, your Will becomes public as soon as it is admitted to probate court. Once this happens, anyone who wishes can inspect your Will as it will become part of the public record.

Common Belief 3: I can read my wishes aloud and make a videotaped Will.

Though you may create a videotape or other recording that accompanies your last Will and testament, the videotape itself is not a legally valid Will. No state allows you to create a videotape Will, though you can create a written Will and have it accompanied by a videotape. You may want to do this if, for example, there is some question about your mental competency or your ability to make your own choices without being unduly influenced by others. This may help establish the validity of the Will, but it is not in itself a valid Will.

Filed Under: Wills and Trusts Tagged With: Estate Planning, wills, wills and trusts

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I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

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Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

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I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

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Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

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Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family.

~Janice M
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August 25, 2020
    

"Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family."

Janice M
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

Krissy L.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

Leo C.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

Mildred W.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

Joan C.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

We began our estate plan process in 2004 (12 years ago) and have been pleased with the periodic reviews we have gone through and when changes have been needed the firm has been thorough and professional in making those changes.

L.G.K.
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