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Making your will with this customizable Simple Will template is one of the best – and easiest – ways to protect yourself and your loved ones. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars to have an estate planning lawyer draft your Simple Will, you can make one yourself for free on Rocket Lawyer.
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Mar 31, 2024 · Learn how to write a simple will, including costs and examples. Discover the steps to create a basic will that reflects your wishes effectively.
Jul 25, 2024 · Wills ensure your last wishes are respected in your absence. Learn how to write a will in just a few simple steps, with or without a lawyer.
- Yes, you can write your will by yourself. Make sure you fully understand the language and legal validity requirements of your state or locale. Refe...
- Yes. It is possible to write your will for free. You can choose to write your will from scratch or you can find a free, reputable online service to...
- A will is the final division of your assets to whomever you designate after you have passed away. Although these usually have everything specified...
- Overview
- Drafting Your Own Will
- Getting Help
No one likes to think about their death, so writing a will might've been something you've been putting off. But the reality is, it's a relatively straightforward process that will only take a couple of hours tops and will give you peace of mind knowing you've set down your final wishes. Read on to learn how to write a simple will that will cover most basic financial situations and be valid under US law. You'll also learn about different services you can use if the idea of writing your own will from scratch makes you too nervous.
Identify yourself and state that this is your one and only will. Then, list your beneficiaries and name someone to be the executor of your will.
Describe your assets and how you'd like them distributed to your beneficiaries. If you're intentionally leaving out a close relative, make that intention explicit.
Sign your will in the presence of a notary and at least 2 adult witnesses so that it will be valid in probate court after your death. Give a copy to your executor.
Identify yourself and the document in the declaration.
The declaration is the little paragraph at the beginning that explains what document the reader is looking at. It explains that this is your will, and you’re the person who wrote it. Include enough detail that your identity can be verified. It's also best to use the proper legal terminology—you can copy this off of a free form or template.
For example, you might write, “I, [full name], living at [full address], declare this to be my last will and testament, and I revoke any and all wills and codicils made prior to this date. All references herein to ‘this will’ refer solely to this document.”
List the people you're leaving your assets to.
Include the full legal name of each of your beneficiaries, as well as their current addresses and their relationships to you. Most people list their immediate family members, but you can list anyone you'd like.
For example, you might write, "At the time of executing this will, I am married to [full name, address]. The names of my children are [list of full names, addresses]. I am also making provisions for [full name, address], my cousin, and [full name, address], a friend of the family. All other names not listed here are not being provided for.”
Check online for a statutory form for your state.
Some states have enacted the Uniform Statutory Will Act and offer a statutory will form, including California, Maine, Michigan, New Mexico, and Wisconsin. These forms are available for free and are easy to use if you have a relatively simple estate with few assets.
The main downside to these wills is that you can't customize them or change them in any way. Check the form to make sure you're going to be able to do everything you want to do before you use it.
Statutory wills generally won't work for people who don't want children to inherit equally, want property to go to friends rather than family, or have other complications.
Use an online template service to create your will.
Many popular online legal services sites, such as LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer, offer will templates that guide you through the process. Simply answer a few questions, and the service will automatically create a will certified to meet your state's legal requirements.
Apr 26, 2024 · There are two main types of simple wills: single will and mirror will. To create a simple will, one must choose an executor, identify their assets, decide on the distribution of assets, write the will in a legally valid format, sign and date it in the presence of witnesses, and keep it safe.
Nov 27, 2023 · A simple will is a will that only names assets, beneficiaries and an executor. Simple wills are often best for people with simple estates and few wishes.
Jun 14, 2022 · A simple will names an executor and gives instructions on who will inherit your property. Find out if a basic will is right for you and how you can make one.
