Legal Will Form

Property in a living trust. One of the ways to avoid probate is to set up a living trust. Retirement plan proceeds, including money from a pension, IRA, or 401(k) Stocks and bonds held in beneficiary. Proceeds from a payable-on-death bank account.

Physical assets such as a house, cars or jewellery. Financial assets such as shares or bank savings, and. Heirlooms or possessions with sentimental value.

There are certain types of property that legally cannot be included in a person's will. Depending on state laws, these may include: Any Property that is Co-Owned with Someone Else Through Joint-Tenancy: Married couples typically own the marital home in joint tenancy.Property being held in a living trust.

Create the initial document. Start by titling the document Last Will and Testament" and including your full legal name and address. Designate an executor. Appoint a guardian. Name the beneficiaries. Designate the assets. Ask witnesses to sign your will. Store your will in a safe place.

Wills Don't Expire There's no expiration date on a will. If a will was validly executed 40 years ago, it's still valid.

Your will should state who gets what from your savings and property, including your home, investments and cash. It should cover all the things you own, such as cars, furniture, pictures and jewelry.

Find an online template or service. Make a list of your assets. Be specific about who gets what. If you have minor children, choose a guardian. Give instructions for your pet. Choose an executor. Name a 'residuary beneficiary' List your funeral preferences.

Bank accounts. Brokerage or investment accounts. Retirement accounts and pension plans. A life insurance policy.

In general, a Will is valid until your death, but there are a few exceptions. If you were married at the time you made a Will and then later got a divorce, either your entire Will was revoked or the portions of your Will giving property to your former spouse were revoked by the divorce.