Any information about the timing of asset distribution.These are the individuals or entities that will inherit your assets and property.
A detailed list of your beneficiaries.The person or persons who will assume guardianship for your dependents.Who will serve as executor of your will and estate? This is the person who will oversee the execution of your will’s instructions and distribute your assets accordingly.If you had any previous wills or amendments, a new will has to state those are now revoked. The person who makes the will is called the testator in the document. Your name and address and indication that you’re the one making the will.That said, you’ll usually need to include the following in your will: Plus, a lawyer can point out things you could easily overlook. Using a simple will template may seem self-explanatory, but an attorney’s office can guide you through the various terminology.Īlthough there are some online explanations for these, the laws governing wills can vary between states. How to Make Your Last Will and TestamentĬonsulting an attorney is best practice, whether you want to use a last will and testament template or have someone else create your will. This way, the companies that manage those accounts will already have a record of who to distribute your money to after your death. It helps to set up beneficiaries on your life insurance, pension, and financial accounts ahead of time. This could be from a life insurance policy or savings. In addition, you should outline how to pay for your funeral and burial. Anything you own, including savings bonds, should be included in your will. The last will’s document determines who assumes ownership of other property, such as furniture, family heirlooms and keepsakes, books, jewelry, and tech equipment. Parents of minors or wards of the court will also state who will take care of their dependents. People who own pets often indicate who will assume ownership of their animals or whether they’ll be surrendered back to a local rescue organization.
You can also specify how any money in your checking, retirement, and savings account will be divided up by your relatives. For example, you can designate your home will go to your children or a local charity. A will and testament stipulate how your estate will distribute your remaining property and assets.