How to make a living will without a lawyer? Are you looking for a legal Last Will and Testament template?
We provide the Last Will Form file, which covers a myriad of contingencies, and is a framework in which you could add and modify your own provisions. Consider creating a Last Will if any of the following apply to your current situation: Traveling or living abroad for an extensive period of time Change residences or purchase a new home
What should be included in the Last Will Testament?
For every adult, it's important to make a living will, that is regularly updated with thoughtfulness and care. By doing so, you can protect your family and keep family relations intact for the survivors. We provide the Last Will Form in a document file, that covers a myriad of contingencies, and is a framework in which you could add and modify your own provisions.
A simple Last Will Testament will identify the following basic elements:
- Assets: either real assets (tangible personal property, land, or home),
- Digital assets (online accounts, cryptocurrency, social networking, or domain names),
- Money in various accounts that should be distributed according to your wishes
- Designated Beneficiaries: your spouse, children, relatives, and friends who you want to receive your property
- Executor: who will be granted the power and authority to wind up your affairs and carry out your wishes stated in the Will, as well as the extent of their discretion
- Guardian: who will take care of your children under the age of 18 years if you and your spouse pass away unexpectedly
- Pet Caretaker: if you have certain animals who will need to be taken care of after you pass, you should name responsible caretakers and can even designate certain funds to be used so that it does not become a financial burden on your friend
- Probate Bonds: if you pass away without a Will, the court will appoint an Executor or Administrator to oversee the distribution of your property but a probate bond is often required to protect the heirs from any possible mismanagement or fraud -- appointing an Executor of your choosing is often coupled with a statement that you will not require them to post a probate bond
- Residuary Estate: anything left in your estate after all debts have been paid should then be distributed according to your preferred priority Signatures: you and your witnesses must sign but check your state laws about who can serve as a witness (i.e..
- Etc
Beneficiary Designations in your Last Will and important mistakes to avoid
Do not take your legacy lightly. It is easy to make a small mistake, which can become an expensive problem for the survivors. While naming a beneficiary can be an easy way to ensure your loved ones will receive assets directly, beneficiary designations can also cause many problems. It is your responsibility to make sure your Last Will is properly filled out and given to the financial company — and mistakes can be costly.
Here are six common but critical, mistakes to avoid:
1. Not naming the specific beneficiary or beneficiaries.
2. Not taking tax into consideration.
3. Naming the wrong beneficiaries in your Will.
4. Not updating your Will over time.
5. Not considering special circumstances that can be applied.
6. Not reviewing your Will with legal and financial advisers.
In describing your alternate beneficiaries, you could make provision for a long list of eventualities. A more practical approach will be to compile your will, using any of our legal documents, and to update it whenever necessary.
Making your Last Will is more important than arranging your car insurance, but many people pay much more attention to the last one. Even the most basic will, or by using our Will Format as an example, would be much better than having no will at all. Our Legal Templates are screened and often updated by Legal professionals.
Using our ready-to-use Will includes a section to arrange the Designation Of Beneficiary, so you will have more insight and time to focus on important subjects. After downloading and filling in the blanks, you can customize every detail and appearance of your document and finish the file quickly.
Download this simple Last Will template directly and start arranging your legacy in a proper way that will avoid issues in the future. Print out your Last Will & Testament now.