Many individuals avoid estate planning because it is typically unpleasant to contemplate. However, if you have assets that you want to leave to your children, spouse, or other family members, the absence of a will may complicate matters—and sometimes even result in costly legal fights.
Making a will does not have to be difficult or costly. You don’t need to hire a lawyer to accomplish it. The procedure is really pretty straightforward if you grasp the fundamentals of estate planning and follow a few crucial steps.
Here’s how to write a will without hiring a lawyer.
Basics of Estate Planning
If you die without a legal will, your assets—including savings, investments, real estate, and personal belongings—shall be dispersed according to state law. This is known as intestate succession, and it often results in family members obtaining less than you expected, or perhaps nothing at all.
To prevent this, you should draft a plan outlining how you want your possessions dispersed after your death. This document is often known as a will, but it may also be known as a final will and testament.
You must name an executor in your will, who will be responsible for carrying out your desires. You’ll also need to designate who will get your assets. Finally, you must sign the paper in the presence of witnesses.
It’s critical to maintain your will up to date after you’ve written it. That includes making adjustments if your life circumstances change, such as getting married, having children, or purchasing a new house.
Here’s a step-by-step approach to writing your own will without the assistance of a lawyer:
- Look for an online template or service.
There are several internet templates and services available to assist you in creating your own will. Make sure to do your homework to discover a reliable source. - Compile Information on Your Assets
This covers all of your assets, such as savings and investment accounts, real estate, automobiles, jewelry, and art. - Create a List of Beneficiaries
These are the persons or organizations you wish to inherit your possessions when you pass away. - Be clear about who gets what.
It’s critical to be as explicit as possible when allocating your assets. Instead of just giving your house to your spouse, you may say, “I leave my house at 123 Main Street to my husband, John Smith.” - Select A Guardian If You Have Children Under the Age of 18
If you have small children, you must appoint a guardian in your will. If anything were to happen to you, this is who would care after your children. - Designate a “Residuary Beneficiary”
Someone who will get your remaining assets is known as a residuary beneficiary. This is a fantastic alternative if you have several beneficiaries and want to avoid the effort of allocating each one a particular asset. - Appoint an Executor
This is the person in charge of ensuring that your desires are carried out after you die.