A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that outlines how you want your property, responsibilities, and final wishes handled after your death. It helps ensure your intentions are honored and provides clarity and direction for your loved ones.

• A will names who receives your assets: You can designate specific people, charities, or organizations to inherit property, money, or sentimental items.
• It allows you to name a guardian for minor children or dependents: This is one of the most important reasons parents create a will. Without a named guardian, the court will decide who takes custody.
• You appoint an executor to carry out your wishes: This person handles the legal and financial steps after your death, such as paying debts, filing paperwork, and distributing assets.
• A will only controls assets that go through probate: Property held in joint ownership, living trusts, or accounts with named beneficiaries usually pass outside of the will.
• Wills must meet state-specific legal requirements: Most states require the document to be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two adults. Some may require notarization.
• If you die without a will, state law decides what happens: This is called dying intestate. Your assets are distributed according to your state’s default inheritance rules, which may not reflect your preferences.
• You can update your will at any time: Wills should be reviewed after major life events like marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or changes in financial circumstances.
• A will does not avoid probate: It provides instructions for the court but does not eliminate the need for the probate process itself.
• Clarity reduces the chance of family conflict: A clearly written and well-communicated will helps prevent confusion, legal disputes, and hurt feelings among surviving family members.
• You should store your will in a safe and accessible place: Let your executor or trusted loved ones know where to find the original copy when the time comes.

A Will, also known as a Last Will and Testament, is a legal document that not only communicates a person’s final wishes regarding the distribution of their assets but also may include instructions for guardianship of minors, care for pets, and other personal directives after their passing.

Creating a will is a crucial step in estate planning, and there are three main ways to do it: with a lawyer, through an online service, or by doing it yourself. Each option caters to different needs and budgets, offering flexibility to choose what works best for you, depending on your unique circumstances and the complexity of your estate.

When choosing the best way to create your will, consider the following factors: