Illinois Instructions for Execution of Simple Will

Review the Last Will and Testament. File the Will With Your Local Probate Court. Secure Assets and Manage Finances and Debts. Distribute Remaining Property, Gifts, and Assets According to the Will. File Final Income Taxes for the Deceased. Close the Estate.

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.

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to have an attorney draft a will for you. Anyone can write this document on their own, and as long as it meets all of the legal requirements of the state, courts will recognize one you wrote yourself.

There are four main requirements to the formation of a valid will: The will must have been executed with testamentary intent; The testator must have had testamentary capacity: The will must have been executed free of fraud, duress, undue influence or mistake; and.

Write an Introduction. Select an Executor. Identify Your Heirs and Beneficiaries. Nominate a Guardian for Your Minor or Dependent Children. Assess and Divide Your Property. State Your Funeral Wishes (If You Have Any) Sign and Notarize the Document.

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.

Proofread the Will. Arrange for Witnesses. Arrange for a Notary Public. Gather Everyone and Explain What's Going On. Initial, Sign, and Date the Will. Have the Witnesses Initial and Sign the Will. Sign the Self-Proving Affidavit. Store the Will Safely.

File the Will in Probate Court and Notify Beneficiaries. The probate process begins when a petition is filed in the local probate court to place the will into probate and appoint an executor of the estate. Give Notice to Creditors. Take Inventory of Assets. Pay Expenses From the Estate. Distribute Assets to Beneficiaries.

A will doesn't have to be notarized to be valid. But in most states, you'll want to add a self-proving affidavit to your will, which must be signed by your witnesses and notarized.If you sign your will in a lawyer's office, the lawyer will provide a notary public.