The new year serves as an important reminder to get family documents in order, including wills.

Ryan Ellis with the Ellis Law Offices in Indianola tells KNIA News wills are much more complicated than just leaving behind your assets, it can be a directive on how you want your family to take care of you.

“It’s important to put in a will medical directives. Often times family members will try to make a medical or healthcare decision for a loved one, and it might be too late because it is not stated in the will. If they are not able to consent to a choice, that choice can’t be made. It’s just important to be clear on what will happen if you become disabled or pass away.”

Ellis also says a will signing is required to be witnessed by two independent witnesses, and your presence is required for the witnesses signing the will as well.