A will gives testators control over their assets once they die. Typically, the document allows you to determine who receives a share of your estate and how they should use their inheritance. Suppose you intended to write a will; read this extract for some will writing secrets. 

Stick To What You Own

The underlying principle in any estate division plan is that you can only bequeath what you own. Suppose you own joint property with another person; you can only transfer your shareholding in the property to your beneficiaries. If you inherited property that is not your name, you should transfer its ownership to your name before including it in your will. 

Include all Dependants

It is a wise move to include all your dependents in the will. If you do not, they could dispute the will in court. Therefore, if you think you have children out of wedlock whom you may not know about, conduct your investigations to ascertain their existence. You should also include dependent family members and adopted children in the will. You do not have to share the assets equally among the beneficiaries. However, ensure each individual has a reasonable share of the property. 

Include an Explanatory Letter

If you do not intend to share the property equally among the beneficiaries, consider writing an explanatory letter. Typically, the document justifies your estate division strategy, therefore preventing beneficiaries or dependants left out of the will from contesting it in court. The explanation letter could also include some special instructions. For instance, you may want money in a specific account used to clear the funeral bills. Besides, you might want your family to bury your remains at a particular site. 

Consider Trusts If You Are Unsure About The Beneficiaries 

Trusts are a vital estate management tool. While will detail who gets what, trusts empower the testator to decide how the beneficiary uses their inheritance. For instance, the trust can allocate a specific amount of funds to the beneficiary each year. Besides, it can reprimand the beneficiary if they flout certain conditions. For example, a beneficiary who resumes a drug habit could fail to receive their annual dividends from the estate. 

A wills and estates lawyer will walk with you through the wills writing process. Ideally, the professional helps you create a personalised estate management plan that meets your current and future needs and leaves a lasting legacy. Besides, the professional will update the document as your financial situation changes and help with the probate process. 

For more information on writing wills, contact a professional near you.