How to Write a Will

While many people know that having a Will is important, they are often unsure how get started. It’s common to feel overwhelmed when considering death. For these reasons, many people put off creating their will, even though it can provides peace of mind that one's wishes will be carried out.

Writing a will doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult. At its core, a Will is simply a way for you to state your desires for what happens to your property and children after your death. A Will is a way to put your wishes in writing, and helps avoid confusion and the probability of familial disputes. Rocket Lawyer's online interview helps you create your Will simply and easily — all you have to do is answer questions about your situation and wishes, and your answers are used to complete the document.
 
When you make out your Will, you'll need to designate beneficiaries and an executor. The beneficiaries are the people or organizations who receive your property (remember that not all property and assets are covered by a Will). The executor is the person you designate to see that your wishes are carried out during the distribution of your property. Your executor should be someone you trust to carry out and follow your wishes. Because your executor will have to deal with the legal and financial obligations of estate administration, it's a good idea to choose someone who has a head for finance, can handle the responsibility.

If you have minor children, you should also nominate a guardian to provide for the physical welfare of your children. Even though in most cases a spouse gets the majority of your assets and is expected to provide financially for the surviving children, you may want to set up separate provisions for your children, in case something were to happen to your spouse.

In order for your Will to be valid, it must be signed, and you must be of legal age and mentally competent. You also need witnesses' signatures attesting that you knew what you were signing. Restrictions on who can witness a Will vary across the country, so be sure to check with your State.

Finally, remember that you can modify your Will with a Codicil or write a new one at any time.

Laws on this topic may vary from state to state. This content is not meant to provide you with complete information and it is not intended to be legal or tax advice. It is recommended that you consult with your own attorney, accountant or other advisor regarding your specific situation.