Have You Prepared a Will?

Planning on retiring in Arizona? Solterra Senior Living specializes in helping people like you live out their golden years in style and comfort. Part of our mission is also making sure our residents have the right arrangements in place.

We’ll go over a few things you need to know when preparing a will in Arizona.

Who Can Make a Will?

In Arizona, any person age 18 or older can make a will. The only other requirement is that you be of sound mind. In order to ensure you’re at full mental capacity, you should plan on making a will sooner rather than later.

What Is the Purpose of a Will?

A will allows you to transfer your assets after your death according to your wishes. Whether it’s property, investments, cash, jewelry, or other valuables, your will outlines how your possessions should be distributed and who should get them. Parents with minor children include directions for the care of their children in case both parents are lost. You can also include funeral instructions or, if you have pets, select who you want to care for them once you have passed.

How Do I Execute a Will?

You have a few options for drafting a will. You can have an attorney draft one for you, or you have the option of drafting one yourself. If you want to draft your own will, there are websites that will walk you step-by-step through the process. However, if you’re dealing with minor children or complicated assets, it’s recommended you plan your will through an attorney.

How Do I Ensure My Will is Valid?

While we are unable to provide you with legal counsel on the validity of a will, we can provide you with a baseline understanding of some of the requirements for executing a will in Arizona.

If you are executing a paper will, you must sign the will or have someone sign it on your behalf in your presence and under your direction. You must also have the will signed by two witnesses who witnessed your signature or were provided acknowledgment by you of the signature’s authenticity.

An electronic will must meet the same requirements, though, electronic signatures are acceptable. The signatures must be dated, and the document must contain a copy of a valid government-issued ID for the person whose wishes the will governs.

The witness to your will should not be someone you have designated to receive real or personal property in the will or someone related by blood, marriage, or adoption to a person designated to receive real or personal property.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Holographic wills, for instance, do not require witness signatures, though they must meet other specifications.

If you’re planning on retiring in Arizona and want to make living arrangements, contact Solterra Senior Living to schedule a tour. From the moment you walk through our doors, our dedicated care team will make you feel right at home.