Related Practice Areas: Estate Planning Tax Trusts

Nearby Cities: Auburn Hills Waterford Keego Harbor Bloomfield Hills Rochester

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Top Pontiac, MI Wills Lawyers Near You

Pontiac Wills Information

Did a Loved One Leave Only a Holographic Will?

If a loved one left only his or her wishes in a handwritten will, it is considered to be a holographic will and beneficiaries may question whether the will is valid. Consult with a Pontiac a holographic wills lawyer who can advise you on the legal requirements for validating a holographic will.

Holographic Will Requirements

A holographic will is a document that is wholly handwritten by the person making the will (the testator) and not signed by witnesses. Holographic wills often are written in moments of emergency, when the testator is facing serious illness or death. Most states require the will to be signed and dated by the testator, but it does not necessarily have to be written on paper.

What sort of issues can I seek legal help with?

Specialized legal help is available for most legal issues. Each case is unique; seeking legal help is a smart first step toward understanding your legal situation and seeking the best path toward resolution for your case. An experienced lawyer understands the local laws surrounding your case and what your best legal options might be. More importantly, there are certain situations and circumstances - such as being charged with a crime - where you should always seek experienced legal help.

Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer

  • What is the usual process to resolve my case? How long will it take to resolve this?
  • What are likely outcomes of a case like mine? What should I expect?

An experienced lawyer should be able to communicate a basic "road map" on how to proceed. The lawyer should be able to walk you through the anticipated process, key considerations, and potential pitfalls to avoid. Once you've laid out the facts of your situation to the lawyer, he/she should be able to frame expectations and likely scenarios to help you understand your legal issue.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

In general, how much an attorney costs will often depend on these four factors: billing method and pricing structure, type of legal work performed, law firm prestige, and attorney experience. Depending on the legal issue you are facing, an attorney may bill you by the hour, settle on a flat fee, or enter into a contingency fee agreement. The type of legal work you need help with will also play a role in cost incurred.

Common legal terms explained

Affidavit - A sworn written statement made under oath. An affidavit is meant to be a supporting document to the court assisting in the verification of certain facts. An affidavit may or may not require notarization.

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