Please watch our simple estate planning video to learn the benefits of taking the time to have a "basic will" prepared.  A "basic will" is a simple and low cost estate planning instrument that will allow you to determine what will happen to your property and any children you may have after you die.  It a legal instrument that is only appropriate for individuals with modest estates and simple estate planning needs.  Property The basic will allows you to designate who will be the equal beneficiaries of all of your property.  For example, I, James Smith, leave all of my property equally to my brother, Joe Smith and sister, Betty Smith. If you would like to itemize who receives particular items of  property, a basic will is not going to satisfy your estate planning needs.  In addition, if you wish to set up a trust for a substantial amount of assets with special instructions for a trustee, then a basic will is also not appropriate for you.  If a basic will is not going to meet your estate planning needs, then please call our office to set up an appointment for a consultation. Children  The basic will allows you to determine who will take care of your minor children (the Guardian) and who will manage your minor children's property (the Trustee) after you pass away.  The basic will also allows you to control the age in which your children assume control of their inheritance.  Any property left to minor children will be placed into a testamentary trust and managed by the trustee.  Upon receipt of the information that you are going to submit in the form to follow, our office will contact you by phone.  During that consultation, we will discuss whether a basic will is going to satisfy your estate planning needs.