There’s a lot to know about Wills in Rhode Island. You need to understand the difference between a Will and Living Will, how Wills should be executed, and how they can be modified, terminated, or challenged. You need to develop an understanding of the probate process and how that can affect the outcome of your estate planning goals. Here, we provide general responses to some of the most common questions we receive from clients about wills in Rhode Island.

Who Should Have a Will?

Many people assume that only the wealthy need to have a Will. However, the truth is that many people, with and without great wealth, need to have a Will in case the unexpected occurs.

People who should have a Will include but are not limited to:

• Those who are married
• Those who have children
• Those who own assets
• Those who have a special needs family member

Only people who do not have assets, a spouse, and/or children may not need a Will.

When Should I Make a Will in Rhode Island?

A Will needs to be created and often updated when certain events occur, such as:

• Turning 18
• When you marry, divorce, or remarry
• Having children
• Starting a business
• Buying a home

Whenever you have a major life change, it is time to make or update your existing Will.

What Goes into Wills in Rhode Island?

A Will states who should inherit your assets when you die. If you have children, you can designate who you want to have custody of your children if you pass away. It also allows you to appoint an executor (known as a personal representative in some jurisdictions) for your estate. This person will be in charge of administering your estate according to the terms of your Will when you die.

What Should I Avoid in a Will?

There are certain things that are best dealt with through other means rather than a Will. Things that are not appropriate and should be avoided in a Will include:

• Retirement plan proceeds
• Life Insurance
• Living trust property

An estate planning attorney can advise you on the best way to handle these matters. Many of them can complement your Will and work well in an estate plan.

Can Wills in Rhode Island be Challenged?

There is always a possibility someone will challenge your Will after you pass away. Whether or not that challenge is successful is a different question. Some of the most common reasons Wills are challenged include:

• That the testator was under undue influence or lacked the capacity to make a Will
• The Will is a fraud/forged
• That the Will lacks the formalities required to be valid, such as being signed and correctly witnessed

Having a lawyer help with the process of creating your Will can help prevent successful challenges.

Can I Make a Will without a Lawyer in Rhode Island?

It is possible to create a Will without the assistance of a lawyer. However, states can be very specific regarding what is required for a Will to be considered valid. If you create the Will on your own, and it does not meet the legal requirements for validity, it may not be enforceable.

How Much Does it Cost to Make Wills in Rhode Island?

The cost of creating a will varies. It depends on your estate and whether you want additional estate planning tools, like trusts and advance directives. Many wills and trusts lawyers in Rhode Island charge a fixed rate for estate planning and other attorneys charge an hourly rate. You will want to know what is and is not included in either rates.

Contact an Estate Planning Lawyer in Rhode Island Today

Do not procrastinate another day before starting an estate plan because your loved ones are too important. Wills are often an integral part of any estate plan, and keep in mind: it really does not matter how much your estate is worth. What matters is protecting your interests and securing your heirs’ futures.

Contact Senerchia & Senerchia P.C. today online or at (401) 615-3880 to schedule a free consultation. Our estate planning attorneys in Rhode Island stand ready to guide you through the process.