What Documents Do I Need to Bring for Legal Will Preparation?

You must sign your will before witnesses.

You spend years amassing those collections, so don’t leave their distribution to chance upon your death. Take time to prepare a thoughtful will. Focus on achieving a smooth transition of property assets and an efficient transfer of financial accounts. Choose the songs you want played at your funeral. Provide a written will and allow your family and friends to grieve your passing. The only legal requirements for a will are that the person be at least 18 years old and of sound mind and that the signature on the document be witnessed.

Financial Documents

Assist your loved ones by leaving detailed information in your will. List your bank accounts separately. Include checking and saving accounts, certificates of deposits, IRA accounts and safe deposit boxes. Group these accounts according to the bank. Write the branch locations, account numbers, date of account maturity and the location of the safe deposit key. Describe all items contained in the safe deposit box. Decide who receives each item. Bring these lists to your appointment.

Insurance Policies

Ensure your beneficiaries receive the funds due from an insurance policy. Gather and copy your insurance policies and place them together in a safe location. Write down the name of the policy, the number for the policy, and the amount due under the policy. Include the name of the agent for the policy and his contact information. Provide your attorney this list with the beneficiary information for inclusion in your will.

Real Property

Include all the necessary information to keep payments current on your home while the will is in probate. Provide the name of the mortgage company, account number of the loan, payment date and payment amount with the location for the payment. For rental properties you own, provide the contact information of the property management company and the renter and a copy of the rental agreement. Give this information to your attorney with the list of beneficiaries to include in the will.

Personal Property

Inventory all personal items you want to leave to specific family members and friends. Catalog your art collections, jewelry and family heirlooms. List your china and crystal by type, item and pattern. Prepare a description of each item by name, location and information. Provide the name and current address of the gift recipient. Write down the beneficiary for each item. Supply lists to the attorney.

IRS and Tax

According to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publication 950, you may owe estate tax or income tax on your estate upon your death. Estimate the amount and set it aside as a separate bequest. Include your accountant's name and contact information in your will.

Funeral Arrangements

Prepare your funeral and choose the church, music, flowers and announcement arrangements. Purchase your casket and cemetery plot. Write down the arrangements in your will and set aside the funds in a special request.

Attorney Office

Create a list of beneficiaries. Determine who receives which items. Place a copy of this list in a folder along with other lists you have prepared. Bring the folder containing all lists to your attorney's office.

References

• IRS: Introduction to Estate and Gift Taxes
• Nolo: Wills FAQ

Resources

• Dummies: Wills