How to write a simple DIY Last Will and Testament

Self reliance - How to write a simple DIY Last Will and Testament - inexpensively and without a lawyer


(NaturalNews) Have you been meaning to write your Last Will and
Testament, but just can't get around to it? It's not a pleasant subject
and hiring an attorney can be expensive, so many people put it off
until...

Adults over the age of 21 should always write a will to
make clear to those who survive them, what their last wishes are
regarding their investments, pets, children and possessions. Writing a
will doesn't have to be an elaborate, expensive process. If you want to
write a simple will, you can do it yourself following a few basic
guidelines.

In most states, when a person dies without a will,
they are known as intestate, and their estate must be probated in the
courts. Whatever is left of the estate after probate automatically goes
to the individual's spouse or living children, with no preference for
where the remainder of the estate ends up. If you want to designate
certain items to specific people, a will is necessary.

Do-it-yourself wills

Wills
can be do-it-yourself legal instruments if you have a small estate and
your wishes are limited and simple. Check online for basic will
templates. You can also write out a simple will yourself without a
template and sign in front of two witnesses, one being a notary.

Basic sections to include in your will

Think
about what you would like to put in your will ahead of time. If you are
drawing up a do-it-yourself will, you will need to fill in these
sections to make your wishes known.

1. Title: Last Will and Testament of (your full legal name here).

2. Declaration:
List your full name and address and a statement saying you are of legal
age and of sound mind and memory. You will also need to state that this
will revokes all previously made wills and codicils, which are
amendments to a will; that you are not under duress of any kind or under
another's influence.

3. Executor: Name the person or people you elect to carry out the provisions of your will and settle your estate.

4. Guardian: Names of any people who you want as guardians for minor children.

5. Beneficiaries:
Your spouse or partner, children and others who you are to inherit from
your estate. Be clear and detailed as to their identities and include
their full legal names, addresses, phone numbers and other contact
information.

6. Specific Bequests: This is the area where
you leave instructions for any particular items or monies to be left to
specific individuals. Put any instructions about your pets under this
section. In most states, pets are considered possessions and treated
accordingly. If you want to set up a trust to care for your animals,
that must be done separately, and is not part of the will.

7. Funeral Arrangements:
Leave directions for your funeral and burial in this section. Include
any previous arrangements you may have made on your own behalf,
including family burial plots, location, and contact information for the
cemetery.

8. Signature and Witnesses: Make your final
section an area where you can sign and date your will. This is also
where your witnesses and the notary will sign and date that they have
witnessed your signature.

If you're an adult, 21 years or over,
it's always a good idea to have a will to make your wishes clear after
your death. Writing a last will and testament can protect your assets
and your beloved pets, allowing you to designate to whom those assets go
upon your death.

Source:-
http://www.naturalnews.com/037385_Last_Will_and_Testament_DIY_lawyer.html