However, if you fail to adequately provide for your spouse or dependent children they may have the right to apply to the court to change the terms of your will. The court may make an order which it determines to be fair and just in the circumstances. To most people, this means a document of one or two pages. Sometimes this may be accomplished with little difficulty. Occasionally, however, it is difficult for all of your concerns to be addressed in a short document.
Every situation is different.
Accordingly, your will may be longer or shorter as the circumstances dictate. An illegitimate child is treated as the legitimate child of his or her mother. If you own property in joint tenancy and you die, the other person automatically becomes the property owner. Jointly held property does not form part of your estate. However, if all other joint tenants predecease you then the property does form part of your estate.