Retired in America

Your Guide to a Confident Retirement

  • Home
  • Personal finance
  • Retirement Life
  • Saving & Spending

10 Most Common Questions About Drafting a Will

March 4, 2020 · Personal finance

Should my spouse and I have a joint will or separate wills?

Separate wills make a lot more sense than joint ones for a number of reasons. First, some states don’t even recognize joint wills. Secondly, it’s very unlikely that you and your spouse will die at the same time. Your wills might look similar but just because they might doesn’t mean you should not have two separate documents for your wishes.

More so for married couples who have had previous relationships. Properties and children from these previous marriages should be addressed separately. Because Probate laws typically favor current spouses, you’ll want to be very clear on your will.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Share this article

Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

Latest Posts

  • A retired couple reviews tax paperwork and financial statements together at their kitchen table in warm, natural morning light. 9 Signs You've Underpaid Estimated Taxes and Should Adjust Immediately
  • An editorial gouache illustration of a retired couple looking back at their old home's shadow from their new sunny house. 7 Common Reasons Retirees Regret a Relocation Decision
  • An older woman carefully paints a hand-carved wooden bowl in her sunlit home workshop, surrounded by crafting materials. 7 Platforms Where Retirees Are Selling Handmade Items Successfully
  • A retired man sits at a sunlit wooden table thoughtfully reviewing an official Social Security envelope next to his reading glasses. 9 Social Security Notices You Should Never Throw Away
  • An older woman sits thoughtfully at a sunlit kitchen table next to a folder of documents and a vintage family photo. 10 Things Families Need to Know About the $255 Death Benefit
  • An elegant watercolor and ink illustration of a peaceful retirement pathway with subtle red warning flags and a magnifying glass. 10 Financial Red Flags Retirees Should Never Ignore
  • 10 Things Teachers Should Know About Their Pension Before Retiring 10 Things Teachers Should Know About Their Pension Before Retiring
  • Watercolor illustration of an elderly woman sitting peacefully in her sunlit living room near an open window. What the New SSI Program Improvements Mean for Recipients
  • An ink and watercolor illustration of a rising block graph representing lifetime earnings building a path toward retirement. Why the Social Security Formula Rewards Longer Careers
  • A retired man at his kitchen table reviewing a Social Security denial letter in soft morning light. The Social Security Appeal Process Explained Step by Step

Newsletter

Get retirement planning tips, savings strategies, and lifestyle insights delivered to your inbox.

Related Articles

22 Useful Tips to Maximize Your Retirement Benefits

Don’t stop working For many older Americans, retirement life does not mean calling it quits…

Read More →

9 401(k) Mistakes & Solutions All Boomers Should Be Aware Of

4th Mistake: Not Being Willing To Downsize or Relocate For most Americans, buying a big,…

Read More →

11 Out of the Box Methods to Save for Retirement

Build Slowly and Steadily With Dollar-Cost Averaging Let’s say you want to buy a silver…

Read More →
An active retired couple laughing together on a wooden lakeside porch in New Hampshire during a warm autumn morning.

The 10 States Where Retirees Receive the Highest Median Social Security Benefit Checks

Discover the 10 states where retirees receive the highest median Social Security checks and understand…

Read More →

12 Creative Ways To Earn Passive Income in Retirement

Rent your outdoor adventure vehicles – If you’re the proud owner of an RV, camper van,…

Read More →

11 Ways to Improve Your Finances Before You Retire

A smiling woman sits at her desk using a laptop to maximize her retirement catch-up…

Read More →
A senior couple happily unpacking groceries in a bright, modern kitchen.

9 Ways to Shop at Costco Without a Membership

Discover practical ways to shop at Costco without an annual membership, including how to access…

Read More →
An older man sitting at his kitchen table under warm light, thoughtfully reviewing a paper Social Security document with a pen in hand.

The Social Security Rule Most Retirees Never See Coming

Discover the hidden Social Security rules like the Retirement Earnings Test that can unexpectedly withhold…

Read More →

5 Things You Need To Do if You Want To Retire at 62

Decide when to claim Social Security – Deciding when you claim your Social Security is a…

Read More →
Retired in America

Your Guide to a Confident Retirement

Inedit Agency S.R.L.
Bucharest, Romania

contact@retiredinamerica.com

Trust & Legal

About Us

Editorial Policy

Advertiser Disclosure

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Disclaimer

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Subscribe

Unsubscribe

Categories

  • Personal finance
  • Retirement Life
  • Saving & Spending

© 2026 Retired in America. All rights reserved.