Hot write a will

A will is a legal document that says how you want your estate to be divided once you die. Your estate includes what you own (called assets) and what you owe (called liabilities). An up-to-date will can help your estate representative deal with your estate when you die.

10 Steps to Writing a Will. 1 Find an Estate Planning Attorney or Use a Do-it-Yourself Software Program. Individuals or families with relatively simple financial situations may be ... 2 Select Beneficiaries. 3 Choose the Executor. 4 Pick a Guardian for Your Kids. 5 Be Specific About Who Gets What. More items

You can use this free will form as template to make legal arrangements for your loved ones after your death. Should your assets be substantial and be subject to federal estate taxes or death duty, or you need more complicated estate planning such as the establishment of living trusts, you should seek professional advice.

Be as clear as possible about who should receive which assets and specific in describing the assets. Use full names and also consider including a secondary beneficiary in the event you outlive the first. For example, instead of writing "my home goes to my son," write down the full address and his full, legal name.