5 Simple Tips for Creating Your Own Last Will and Testament
As time passes, many of us quickly begin to realize that life will not last forever. Eventually the day will come when we will take our last breath and say our last goodbye. And when we do, everything we have collected and worked on will be in the hands of a single document: your Last Will and Testament.
But creating a final will can be a daunting and expensive task, especially for those with no legal writing experience. That’s why we’ve created this list of five simple tips to help you get started on creating your own Last Will and Testament.
TIP #1: There are free templates available to help you
The Internet is filled with thousands of articles, templates, and links to various websites that offer assistance in creating your last will and testament. We tested about five different websites and also asked for feedback from our members. Overall, most agreed that LegacyWriter.com was the easiest and most comprehensive source for creating your last will and testament.
At Legacy Writer, they offer a free template that is easy to use and navigate. Their system takes you through an “online interview” wizard that asks specific questions about you and your possessions. Since it will likely take some time to complete, you can create a free account and save a draft of your will, allowing you to come back to it at a later date. When it’s complete, you can have it mailed to you, or you can print it instantly. They even provide a set of instructions on what else you need to do to make your document “official” so that it conforms to the laws of your state.
And if you decide you’d also like to create a living will or power of attorney, they also offer affordable templates for those too.
TIP #2: Find out who will become the executor of the estate
An executor is the person entrusted with the responsibility of finalizing your affairs. They are the person you designate to distribute the property that passes under your will. They also arrange the payment of debts and expenses, and take care that what is left is transferred to the people who are entitled to it.
The law does not require an executor (also called a personal representative) to be a legal or financial expert, but it does require the highest degree of honesty, fairness, and diligence. Many times, the executor is a spouse, parent, child, close family member, or good friend.
Being the executor of a will can be demanding, and the person you choose may not feel up to the task, or may simply not have the time. Therefore, before making your role official, we suggest that you ask them if they agree to take on this position.
TIP #3: Be sure to mention your children
We know this may seem like something to automatically include in a last will and testament to begin with. But the facts are simple: not everyone does it.
Most of the time, the only thing we think to include is who will be the child’s guardian (if they are a minor) and who will take care of the child if we are no longer around. But sometimes the relationship between you and your child(ren) is ‘tarnished’. And in these cases, more often than not that child is overlooked or not even mentioned in the Last Will and Testament.
Whether or not you plan to give everything to one of your children, or if you plan to disinherit your children, you should specifically address those wishes in your will. The reason for doing this is to clearly emphasize to the court that you did not forget to include your children in the document. If you intentionally leave nothing to your children and don’t mention them at all, they may challenge your will and claim that you forgot to leave them an inheritance (even if that was your intention).
TIP #4: Define your burial wishes
Many times what ends up happening in a Final Will is that we focus too much on the materials and the people that we are leaving behind, without thinking about ourselves. Without clear instructions on what to do with your body, your executor and/or next of kin may disagree, causing them additional stress, discomfort, and potential legal fees if they decide to go to court.
Whether it’s a casket, urn, or something else, be sure to state your specific wishes for a final resting place. If you’ve already selected a pre-arranged or pre-paid burial plot for your funeral, or want to be buried next to someone specific, don’t forget to mention those details as well.
TIP #5: Consider the help of an attorney
We understand that hiring a professional is not always an option. But writing your own will without the help of a lawyer can cause problems down the road that end up costing more money to resolve than to resolve. the cost of hiring an attorney up front.
So, at the very least, we suggest doing some research first.
Ask your family and friends if they have any recommendations for family lawyers who can offer advice or help in creating the final will. Search for “family lawyers” online to see if there is someone local who can help you. Visit their website and find out what specific experience they have in drafting a final will. If you are considering an attorney from outside your state, make sure they are familiar with the laws of your state and can create a will that will be officially recognized by your courts.
Read their reviews online and ask if anyone you know has worked with them. Narrow your list down to perhaps the top five candidates and ask what their rates are. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that the costs involved in hiring an attorney are more affordable than you thought, especially with many firms offering partial advances and payment plans.
In conclusion: With the help of these tips, we hope you discover that creating a last will and testament may not be as difficult as you think. In its most basic form, this is simply a document that contains your last wishes. So be sure to give it some thought, mention anyone who is a part of your life, and keep it updated as time goes on. Because the effort you put in today will help ensure that the loved ones you leave behind spend more time commemorating your life rather than remembering it. fighting for it.