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Creating a Last Will and Testament is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your wishes, safeguard your family, and form the foundation of a thoughtful estate planning strategy. A properly drafted will ensures your property is distributed according to your intentions—not according to default laws that may not reflect your relationships or goals. Cohen Law guides individuals and families in Washington, DC, through the process of crafting a clear, legally enforceable will that brings peace of mind.
A will gives you the ability to make meaningful decisions about your estate and the people who will be responsible for handling it. With a customized will, you can:
Select Beneficiaries
Direct your assets—such as real estate, savings, and personal belongings—to the people or organizations you care about
Name a trusted individual to administer your estate and ensure your wishes are carried out as intended.
Designate a guardian to care for minor children, giving you confidence that they will be protected.
Support Charitable Causes
Leave gifts to nonprofits, community organizations, or faith-based groups that are meaningful to you.
Reduce the Potential for Disputes
Clear instructions can help limit confusion or conflict among surviving family members
Without a will, DC’s intestacy laws determine who receives your property. Often, this means following a strict hierarchy that may not reflect your preferences, blended family structures, or personal relationships.
Every jurisdiction has its own legal requirements for executing a will. In Washington, DC, a will generally must include:
Written Document
Your will must be in writing; oral wills are not recognized.
Your Signature
You, as the testator, must sign the document.
Witnesses
Two competent adults must witness your signature and sign the will as well.
Mental Capacity
You must be of sound mind and understand the nature of your decisions.
Some states recognize handwritten wills or electronic wills. Washington, DC, has specific rules regarding these formats, so it is important to ensure compliance to avoid challenges later.
A will serves as your instruction guide, but it does not avoid probate. Probate is the court-supervised process that validates the will, appoints the personal representative, identifies and values assets, settles debts, and oversees distribution.
Depending on the estate, probate may be simple or more formally administered. Our team assists personal representatives throughout the DC probate process, helping them meet deadlines and fulfill their legal responsibilities.
When You Should Update Your Will
A will should evolve as your life changes. Consider revising your will when you experience:
Changes in Family Structure
Marriage, divorce, or the loss of a spouse or partner.
New Children or Grandchildren
An expanding family may require adjustments to guardianship or inheritance plans.
Major Financial Changes
Purchasing a home, acquiring substantial assets, or selling significant property.
Relocation
Moving into or out of Washington, DC, may require updates due to varying state laws.
Health or Life Circumstances
Shifts in health, priorities, or financial needs often call for a review.
Updating your will helps ensure it continues to reflect your current goals and is fully aligned with your broader Estate Planning documents.
A professionally prepared will is a key element of protecting your loved ones and preserving your legacy. Our Washington, DC, office provides tailored guidance that reflects your family dynamics, financial circumstances, and long-term intentions.
We take the time to understand your goals and ensure that your will complies with DC requirements while integrating seamlessly with your estate planning strategy.
Take the first step toward peace of mind. Contact us to create or update your will.
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5335 Wisconsin Ave NW #440, Washington, DC 20015