A Will is a legal document that allows you to express your wishes on the distribution of your property when you die. Without a Will, you could be leaving your family with costly legal proceedings after you have died. Fortunately, if you have a simple and straightforward estate, you can download and execute your Will yourself.
Download a Will Template
You can download a free Will template and then customize it according to your needs, right from your computer. First, click the template. When the dialogue box opens, save it to your computer. You can then insert the appropriate information within the brackets, such as the names and state you live in, and then print. Make sure you save the document to your computer after you have made your changes. If you need help downloading the template, visit our Guide for Adobe Printables.
Tips for Executing Your Will
Some tips to keep in mind when you prepare your Will:
- In order for your Will to be legal, you'll need to sign it in front of two witnesses and a notary public, which you can usually find at your local bank or county office.
- It's a good idea to prepare two original documents and sign both in front a notary public, just to ensure you have a backup.
- Although your Will and your spouse's Will might be similar, you each need to download and complete separate Wills.
- Make sure you designate a personal representative and a successor personal representative for your estate in the event that the first person is unable to serve.
- Store your Will in a safe place. Many people believe the best place to be a safe-deposit box.
When to Consult an Estate Planning Attorney
If you have a large or more complicated estate, it's best to consult an estate planning attorney to ensure you have everything covered in your Will. For instance, you might need to create a trust to manage your child's inheritance, or if you have remarried or are part of a blended family, it might be best to consult an estate planning lawyer to help ensure your wishes are carried out properly and according to the law. If you have any questions or concerns about preparing or executing your Will, you should contact an estate planning lawyer in your area.
