Your Will Must Be in Writing

Oral promises can not withstand legal scrutiny when it comes to leaving someone property when you die. The formalities of a will are required.

A friend of Marlon Brando claimed Brando gave her the house she lived in, saying he had kept it in his name for tax reasons. She settled with the executors of his estate for $125,000. She also claimed Brando promised her continued employment with a company he owned, and settled that claim out of court. She was lucky to get anything and clearly felt she was entitled to a lot more.

Make your intent clear by executing a will and make sure if someone claims that they are leaving you something when they die, see that it is put in writing or get it befor they die. Leave you comments here or contact us at www.ythlaw.com.

Lesson: Oral promises won't do; if you're serious, execute the right written documents.