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Undoubtedly, writing a will is dreaded by most people because they feel that doing so means dwelling on their eventual demise. However, it is important to remember that creating a will is a caring act for your loved ones, ensuring they know your wishes and that your assets are distributed in the way you want.

In most cases, no, you do not need a lawyer to make a will. Many people believe that making a will is a complex task that requires an attorney to assist. But, if you are like most people with a simple estate plan, you can successfully draft your own will without legal help.

In fact, making a last will has been simplified by the many available DIY last will and testament templates online. This can be a good way to start your document and then adapt it to your needs with help from a lawyer.

Start your Last Will and Testament now

What Does a Basic Last Will Contain?

A basic last will is easy to write if you do not have a huge estate or numerous assets. This document still succeeds in helping you control the distribution of your estate, thus protecting your loved ones from the exhausting legal process. Further, a simple will leaves clear instructions to the beneficiaries and the executor on how your finances and property will be distributed.

It accelerates the probate process, makes your final wishes a reality, and reduces the confusion that may result if you die without a will. Since this is the outcome you want, let's discuss what to include in a will to ensure it is acceptable to the courts.

What to Include in a Will

So far, we've seen that making a last will is not a complicated legal process. You may be encouraged to know that lawyers usually have a standard format to draft their clients' last will, containing similar clauses as the DIY one. When a client comes, they request their assistant to fill in the blank spaces as you would do on your own.

Here are some examples of information that will be necessary to complete this document:

  • Personal data of the testator: This is the section you fill in your details as the one writing the Will.
  • Section for naming beneficiaries: This section includes the individuals and organizations that will receive your possessions.
  • Plan for your funeral: The document outlines how you want your funeral service handled and what to do with your remains.
  • Identify Assets: Specify which possessions goes to which beneficiary.
  • Appoint an Executor: The executor is the person to fulfill your request and the powers they have to carry out the process.
  • State where you reside: This specifies which state governs your will.
  • Witness signature: A last will needs two disinterested witnesses to sign sworn statements to make it valid.

Undoubtedly, writing a will is dreaded by most people because they feel that doing so means dwelling on their eventual demise. However, it is important to remember that creating a will is a caring act for your loved ones, ensuring they know your wishes and that your assets are distributed in the way you want.

In most cases, no, you do not need a lawyer to make a will. Many people believe that making a will is a complex task that requires an attorney to assist. But, if you are like most people with a simple estate plan, you can successfully draft your own will without legal help.

In fact, making a last will has been simplified by the many available DIY last will and testament templates online. This can be a good way to start your document and then adapt it to your needs with help from a lawyer.

Start your Last Will and Testament now

What Does a Basic Last Will Contain?

A basic last will is easy to write if you do not have a huge estate or numerous assets. This document still succeeds in helping you control the distribution of your estate, thus protecting your loved ones from the exhausting legal process. Further, a simple will leaves clear instructions to the beneficiaries and the executor on how your finances and property will be distributed.

It accelerates the probate process, makes your final wishes a reality, and reduces the confusion that may result if you die without a will. Since this is the outcome you want, let's discuss what to include in a will to ensure it is acceptable to the courts.

What to Include in a Will

So far, we've seen that making a last will is not a complicated legal process. You may be encouraged to know that lawyers usually have a standard format to draft their clients' last will, containing similar clauses as the DIY one. When a client comes, they request their assistant to fill in the blank spaces as you would do on your own.

Here are some examples of information that will be necessary to complete this document:

  • Personal data of the testator: This is the section you fill in your details as the one writing the Will.
  • Section for naming beneficiaries: This section includes the individuals and organizations that will receive your possessions.
  • Plan for your funeral: The document outlines how you want your funeral service handled and what to do with your remains.
  • Identify Assets: Specify which possessions goes to which beneficiary.
  • Appoint an Executor: The executor is the person to fulfill your request and the powers they have to carry out the process.
  • State where you reside: This specifies which state governs your will.
  • Witness signature: A last will needs two disinterested witnesses to sign sworn statements to make it valid.