

Remember: The above list is NOT an exhaustive list of all of the “in’s” and “out’s” of drafting a will. All wills and codicils (additions or supplements) should have a self-proving clause that is signed and witnessed by 2 witnesses (who are over 18 and competent).A will also should provide that an executor, guardians and trustees will serve without bond.If there are children, appoint a guardian and alternative guardian for any children under age 18.All wills must designate an executor and an alternative executor who will carry out the instructions set forth in the will.If a trust is established in the will, a trustee and an alternate trustee must be designated.If money or assets remain in the testator’s estate, an individual should be named to receive the remainder in specific dollar amounts or percentages. Alternative beneficiaries also should be named in the event a designated beneficiary dies before the person who created the will.All beneficiaries must be specifically named and amounts of bequests specified.All wills should state what an individual wants done with his or her remains and whether he or she wants to have a funeral and/or burial.The process of executing a will can be simple, but certain items should be kept in mind while going through the process. Individuals should not try to execute a will unless they are knowledgeable about the requirements of a legally enforceable will or have had the opportunity to consult legal counsel. Executors, family members, or those close to the testator, or person who created the will, should be aware that the will exists and where it is kept.Ī will is a legal document that is not effective unless properly prepared and executed.

Whatever type of will is executed, it should be kept in a safe place that is accessible in case of an emergency or upon the death of the person who created the will. It is therefore very important for individuals over age eighteen to have a will to protect specific interests and intentions concerning the distribution of their property.Īs a general rule, a will is probated in the state and county in which the decedent is a legal resident at the time of death. If an individual does not have a will, an appointed administrator distributes the estate according to the laws of the State of New Jersey. This document specifies how property is to be divided, to whom it shall be distributed, and who is in charge of the process. An individual must be at least eighteen years of age to execute a will. History of the Morris County CourthouseĪ will is a legal document that designates the distribution of an individual’s estate upon death.Volunteer for the Medical Reserve Corps.Commissioner Meeting Agendas and Minutes.
