How to Write Your Own Will With a Kit
Preparing a last will and testament ensures comfort and clarity for your loved ones in the event of your death. Even if your personal matters are simple, a legal document describing your wishes will eliminate confusion and possible conflict during a difficult time. A legal will often can be created without legal counsel. Content is entirely up to you, but it is wise to follow an established format to be certain no one can contest the document's validity.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Online or store-purchased will kit
- Two or three witnesses (state directed)
Instructions
-
-
1
Contact your state probate office to clarify last will and testament rules. The legal validity of your will depends on three basic details: it must be in writing, it must be signed by the person who wrote it -- called the testator -- and it must be witnessed. In most states only two witnesses are required, but some states require three. Some states have additional rules regarding the relationship of witnesses to the testator. Before purchasing a will kit or registering with an online will site, research state laws.
-
2
Review your personal affairs. Before you write your will, spend some time considering long- and short-term impacts of your death on family and friends. If you are healthy, plan for an unexpected event, especially if you have dependent children. If your long-term wishes are different from what your family would need in the case of an accident, you can design provisions accordingly.
-
-
3
Choose a will kit. Some products are not much more than a form with spaces for your name, the date, details of the will and signature lines for witnesses. Other products provide detailed checklists to help organize your thoughts and confirm that execution of your will can go smoothly for everyone. Before you buy a kit, review comprehensive will kits on any number of user-reviewed websites. Many do-it-yourself will kits are also available online, ranging from free forms to fee-based kits with instructions. Choose a form that suits your budget as well as your need for guidance and additional information.
-
4
Write your will according to state rules. Using the forms provided by the will kit you have chosen, complete and review the contents of your will. Do not sign the document until all required witnesses are present. Each witness must see you sign the paperwork. If you choose to notarize your will as an additional validation, the notary must be present when you sign.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
A notary public cannot validate the legality of the contents of your will. He or she may only signify that you have signed the document voluntarily and that your witnesses are genuine. Consult an attorney if you have questions about how to assign legal ownership of your property or guardianship for your children.
