Home     Law Advice     Insurance Advice     Community    
        View All Law Topics        Free Case Review        Legal Resource Directory        FreeAdvice Answers       
Home > Law Advice > Wills > Deathbed Will
Wills
  All States              Videos  
Deathbed Will

A deathbed Will is one created and executed when the testator is facing imminent death. Despite being hastily drawn, this type of Will may be as valid and binding as a one prepared in advance, but relying on a deathbed Will to distribute your assets can be risky. A Will prepared close to death is apt to be challenged by a disappointed beneficiary. Such challenges usually contend that the testator lacked sufficient mental capacity or was subjected to undue influence. This type of challenge can lead to a costly and protracted will contest.

Wills prepared hurriedly are often prone to errors for several reasons: The quickly drawn will may not distribute the property as the testator intended; hasty preparation may overlook, and miss strategies to minimize or eliminate the federal estate tax; and the Will may be judged invalid because it does not meet a certain legal requirement, such as the signatures of two (or, in some states, three) witnesses who are not related to the testator and do not benefit under the Will.

While a deathbed Will is better than no Will at all, to avoid errors or potential challenges, you should create and execute a Will while you are still of sound mind and body. Your family will appreciate your advance planning.



Related Information
» Wills Basic
» Types of Wills
» Changing/Revoking Your Will
» Will Administrator, Executor and Guardian
» Competency/Will Challenges
» Lost Wills/No Wills
» Will Decisions
» Do It Yourself Wills Online Services/Software
» Wills Attorneys/Legal Help

Topics Related To Wills
» Estate Planning
» Asset Protection
» Elder Law
» Probate
» Trusts
» Wills
» Living Wills / Power of Attorney
 
FREE CASE REVIEW
 



» Find a Wills Attorney

» Ask a question in our Wills Forum

» Prepare a Will Online at Lawyer-Free Prices

» Do It Yourself Will Product Reviews:

   » LegalZoom
   » Will Maker Plus




HACKER SAFE certified sites prevent over 99.9% of hacker crime. State Law Center  |  Legal Resource Directory  |  Legal Articles  |  Insurance Advice and Quotes  |  FreeAdvice Answers  |  Community Forums
Media  |  Privacy Policy  |  About Us  |  Contact Us

FreeAdvice® has been providing millions of consumers with outstanding legal and insurance information and general advice, free, since 1995. While not a substitute for personal advice from a licensed professional, FreeAdvice is available AS IS, subject to our disclaimer and conditions of use.
FreeAdvice®, AttorneyPages®, ExpertPages® are registered trademarks and units of Advice Company.
All Rights Reserved © 1995-2009