By:  LINDSEY O’NEILL, ESQ.

Oh the fervor over Michael Jackson’s Last Will and Testament…    But actually, it is a pretty big legal issue.  With a will, you can specify how you want your assets to be distributed upon your death, name who you would like to act as guardian for your children, and provide for special burial instructions.  These are pretty important issues to most people.  But, if a will has not been properly prepared, or if there are allegations that someone exerted “undue influence” over you when making your will, the will may be declared invalid by a court.  In that case, state intestacy laws would govern who gets what and how much… and a court would decide who gets your kids. 

In light of this very important legal issue, take a look at the information in LawInfo’s Free Legal Resource Center about Last Wills and Testaments, and other estate planning matters.  Specifically, take a look at this article:  Basic Requirements for a Last Will and Testament in California.  Or, find information about the legal requirements for a valid will in your state by clicking here.