Creating a Will is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your family. Without a Will, you have no say in what happens to your possessions or your children after you die. Writing a Will doesn't have to be complicated or expensive-you can do it yourself without hiring a lawyer.
Do I really need a lawyer to write my Will?
No, you don't need a lawyer to write your own Will. However, there are some situations where it may be a good idea to consult with a lawyer before you get started. For example, if you have a complex financial situation or if you're not sure about the laws in your state, it may be worth it to speak with an attorney.
We'll walk you through the process of writing your own Will, step by step. We'll also provide some sample language you can use in your Will. Keep in mind that state laws vary, so be sure to check the requirements in your state before you get started.
Video: How to Write A Will Without a Lawyer
How to Write Your Own Will
1) Write Your Will
The first step in writing your own Will is to gather all of the necessary materials. You'll need a pen and paper, or a computer if you prefer to type your Will. You'll also need to have a clear idea of what you want to include in your Will.
2) Decide Who Will Inherit Your Property
One of the most important decisions you'll make when writing your will is who will inherit your property after you die. This includes any real estate, personal belongings, financial accounts, and other assets you may have.
Think carefully about who you want to include as a beneficiary in your Will. You may want to leave specific items to specific people, or you may want to leave everything to one person. You can also choose to set up a trust in your Will, which can be used to provide for your loved ones after you die.
3) Name an Executor
Another important decision you'll need to make when writing your Will is who will serve as the executor of your estate. The executor is the person who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes after you die. This includes distributing your assets according to your instructions, paying any debts and expenses you may have, and handling any other necessary tasks.
4) Sign and Date Your Will
Once you've finished writing your Will, the next step is to sign and date it. In most states, your Will must be signed by you and two witnesses in order to be valid. Make sure your witnesses are over the age of 18 and that they're not related to you or named as beneficiaries in your Will.
5) Store Your Will Safely
Once your Will is complete, you'll need to store it in a safe place. Be sure to keep it in a location where it can be easily found by your executor after you die. You may want to keep it in a safe deposit box at your bank, or you may want to keep it at home in a fireproof safe.
What You Need to Know About Writing Your Own Will
Now that you understand the basics of writing your own Will, let's take a closer look at some of the things you'll need to keep in mind.
1. What are the basic requirements for a valid will in my state?
Every state has different requirements for what must be included in a valid Will. However, there are some basic elements that are typically required in most states. For example, your Will must be signed by you and two witnesses.
2. What should I include in my Will?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it will depend on your specific situation. However, there are some common things that people often include in their Wills. For example, you may want to use your Will to designate a guardian for your minor children or to leave specific instructions for how you want your property to be distributed after you die.
3. Can I change my will after it's been signed?
Yes, you can change your Will at any time. However, it's important to make sure that any changes you make are done properly. For example, if you want to make a change to your Will, you'll need to create a new Will or add a codicil (a legal document that modifies an existing will). You'll then need to sign and date the new Will or codicil, and have it witnessed by two people.
4. How do I go about writing my own Will?
If you've decided that you want to write your own Will, there are a few things you'll need to do. First, download a copy of our Last Will and Testament. This template will help you create a Will that meets the requirements for your state.
Next, gather all of the information and assets you'll need to include in your Will. You'll need to find two witnesses who are over the age of 18 and who are not related to you or named as beneficiaries in your Will. Finally, you'll need to sign and date your Will. Once you've done all of these things, you'll need to store your Will in a safe place.
Making a Will is an important step in protecting yourself and your loved ones. By taking the time to write your own Will, you can ensure that your wishes will be carried out after you die.
Get started today and download our Last Will and Testament
