Generally speaking, a will is a private matter. There is no point in telling the entire world about the details of your will. In many ways, the contents of a will become more meaningful if they are only revealed after your passing. But are there certain details you should reveal to your immediate family members now? Are you legally obliged to reveal these details to your spouse? Is there any benefit in keeping certain details of your will a secret?
All of these questions and many others are probably best left answered by a qualified, experienced family attorney in Hackensack, New Jersey. These legal professionals can provide you with all the advice you need as you approach the estate planning process.
Table of Contents
Avoid the Finer Details
While it is perfectly acceptable to tell a family member that they are mentioned in your will, you might not want to go into any further detail. There are a few reasons for this. First of all, circumstances change. You may eventually decide that a family member should not be trusted with so much cash, especially if they show worrying behaviors. These might include substance abuse issues, gambling addictions, poor financial management skills, and so on.
If you never tell someone how much money they are set to receive in your will, you never have to “break that promise” to them. You are also free to amend your will without any negative consequences. In addition, a child might be confused and hurt about having to wait until you pass before they can use the funds. They might ask you why you cannot just help them out financially right now.
Your Will is Capable of Leaving Complex Instructions Behind
While some matters must be discussed and agreed upon beforehand, you can also leave complex instructions behind in your will. For example, you can leave a note revealing where a hidden stash of gold bars can be found. You can also leave passwords and other instructions on how to access online accounts, bitcoin investments, and similar assets. There is no need to provide your beneficiaries with these instructions ahead of time, since you can do this in your will.
Am I Legally Required to Tell My Spouse About My Will?
Technically, you can write a will without ever informing your spouse about it. This is obviously quite unusual, but there is nothing illegal about it. Some might argue that a spouse has a fiduciary duty to inform their partner about these kinds of financial details, but a will can be an extremely private thing.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching the New Jersey area for an estate planning lawyer, look no further than Giro, LLP, Attorneys at Law. We have dealt with many wills over the past, and we understand the various concerns you might have about how your estate planning process might impact your family. With sound advice, you can proceed in a confident manner. Reach out and book your consultation today.
