A will is a vital legal document that lets you control the distribution of your estate and appoint an executor to manage it after your death. It ensures your personal property—such as your home, bank accounts, and investments—goes to the beneficiaries you choose. Without a will, state laws decide how your assets are divided, which may result in your spouse receiving only a portion, with the rest going to children or other relatives, potentially against your wishes. In cases of community property, your spouse could inherit everything, leaving other family members with nothing. By having a will, you dictate who inherits what, ensuring your estate is handled according to your intentions and avoiding undesired outcomes.
Who It's For
What's Included
- Directs how your assets, such as property, savings, and personal belongings, will be distributed among your beneficiaries.
- Allows you to appoint an executor who will manage your estate and ensure your wishes are carried out.
- Provides options to appoint guardians for minor children, ensuring their care and future are in trusted hands.
- Specifies how debts, taxes, and any outstanding obligations will be handled.
- Includes the option to set up specific bequests (gifts) for charities, loved ones, or organizations important to you
- Provide for pets: A will can also provide for the care of pets, including specific instructions on how they should be cared for, and who should take care of them.
- Specify funeral arrangements: A will can include instructions on how the deceased would like their funeral and burial arrangements to be handled.
- Witnesses (Required): The will must be signed in the presence of at least two witnesses. These witnesses cannot be beneficiaries under the will to avoid any conflict of interest.
- Notarization (Recommended): Though notarization is not always required, it is recommended for additional legal security. In some states, a notarized will can be “self-proving,” meaning it doesn’t need to be validated in court.
Keep the original will in a safe place, such as a fireproof safe or with your attorney, and inform your executor of its location.