Wills in Soddy-Daisy

Start with the asset, not just the will

Make a simple inventory of assets and, for each one, note whose name appears on the account, deed or ownership record and whether a beneficiary is named. Then mark what your will says should happen to that asset. The comparison can help surface questions for planning: an asset’s ownership or beneficiary designation may need to be reviewed alongside your will rather than assumed to follow its instructions.

This inventory is a conversation aid, not a determination of ownership or the right transfer process. If records appear inconsistent, gather the underlying documents before making changes or drawing conclusions.

Choose who should carry out your instructions

A will can identify the person you want to handle estate matters under it. Separately, an agent under a financial power of attorney acts under that document’s authority; a trustee manages property under a trust; and a healthcare agent acts under healthcare authority. These roles are not interchangeable. Consider each responsibility separately, including whether the proposed person is willing and able to take it on.

Dale Law Group, PLLC offers wills, pour-over wills, trusts and powers of attorney. The appropriate combination depends on your documents, assets and goals.

A practical preparation checklist

Bring a current copy of your will and any trust, financial power of attorney or healthcare directive you want considered. Add recent account beneficiary information, deeds or other ownership records, and a list of major assets. If you have an older will or a record that seems to conflict with it, include that document and note what prompted the question.

For each item, write down the owner shown on the record, any named beneficiary, the instruction you intended, and the question you want answered. This makes it easier to identify which records should be compared and where clarification may be needed.

• Which assets do I expect my will to address, and how can I verify their current ownership?
• Are beneficiary designations consistent with my current intentions?
• Who should handle matters under my will, and how is that role different from my agent or trustee?
• What should I do when a deed, account record or older document appears inconsistent?

When local records or court information matter

If a question involves real property, Hamilton County’s Register of Deeds directory lists a land-record contact at 625 Georgia Ave, Hamilton County Courthouse, Room 400, Chattanooga. The directory address may be a contact or mailing address, so confirm it before visiting. A directory entry or recorded document does not by itself establish ownership or determine the appropriate transfer or court process.

Questions about a possible estate proceeding are separate from checking a will or property record. Hamilton County court-office listings identify distinct clerk roles; a contact listing alone does not determine the correct venue or whether a proceeding is needed. Confirm current instructions with the relevant office before relying on a contact or procedural detail.