How to write a will without a lawyer

Will writing is preparing a document that contains all your wishes on how your property or estate should be handled in the event of your demise. Below are the 11 steps to follow when writing a will;

1. Gather your information.

You will need to get all the personal details of your beneficiaries, as well as financial and property details for your estate. These are essential as the will has to be very detailed.

2. Choose Your Beneficiaries.

You can select who will inherit your estate by listing those who will suffer financially from your loss and which organization is closest to your heart and would like to leave something for their continued operation.

3. Select an Executor.

When selecting an Executor, you should choose someone who is reliable and able to distribute your estate carefully according to your wishes.

4. Appoint Guardians for Minor Children.

A guardian will take up the responsibility of being a parent to your children in the event of your demise, and it is very crucial to appoint someone with whom you share your belief on how to raise children and are assured that they will have your children’s best interest at heart.

5. Detail Specific Bequests.

You will need to specifically list the beneficiaries, with their identification, and clearly state their bequests in detail. This will help clear any ambiguity and make the bequest valid.

6. Draft the Will.

To draft the Will, you must be very clear and straight to the point by writing the title, naming the executor of your will, naming a guardian of any minors, stating an inventory of assets, naming the beneficiaries, and assigning the beneficiaries their respective assets.

7. Sign the Will.

A signature by the Testator is important as it is evidence of being an adult, of sound mind, and agreeing to the content and provision stated in the will.

The signatures of the witnesses, who must be at least two and not beneficiaries of the estate, are important as they attest that the testator signed the will in their presence and speaks more to the validity of the Will.

8. Date the Will.

It is essential to have the Will dated as that is when the wishes of the Testator were documented and witnessed. Dating a Will is important if there is a new will or an update to the will later, which will help track which Will is Valid.

9. Store the Will Safely.

You must keep the Will in a safe location that is either fireproof or waterproof to prevent damage and declare the will invalid. You can store the Will with your Lawyer and Probate Court in a Safe Deposit Box or with your Executor. It is important to store the Will in a place with easy access to ensure the document is found.

10. Review and Update Regularly.

Periodically reviewing and updating your will is very important as it ensures that your will is up-to-date with life events such as acquiring new assets, selling major assets, getting married or divorced, having a new child, or the death of a beneficiary.

11. Consider informing beneficiaries.

It is not a must to inform your beneficiaries of their inclusion in your will. However, you can inform them so that there is no dispute down the line about who is to inherit what, as they are aware beforehand.

Can I legally write my own will?

Yes. You can legally write your own will, known as a DIY Will, with the assistance of a well-guided sample in which you fill in the required details to finally have the final product of a will that should be executed in accordance with set rules. However, there may be challenges that may be experienced due to a lack of professional opinion on which will apply in a specific situation and the applicable laws in different states.

Is drafting a will without a lawyer valid notarized?

Drafting a will without a lawyer will be considered valid as long as it meets all the necessary legal requirements. It is important to have the will notarized, as the court will deem it valid on its face value.

How much does a will cost with and without a lawyer?

The cost of writing a will with a lawyer might range from $1000 to $5000, depending on its simplicity or complexity and the type of will. Without a lawyer, the cost of writing a will be lower, between $100 and $1000.

Do you need a lawyer to make a will?

No. Making a will without a lawyer will be cheaper. However, making a will with a lawyer will ensure that you are advised thoroughly on all options available to you, that the will meets all legal requirements, and that it is valid with no loopholes. 

What you should never put in your will?

You should never include personal, financial, or medical details in the will; there are different documents for these.

Who should write their own will?

You should consider writing a will once you turn 18 years old. 

How to amend your will without an attorney?

You can amend your will by making a new will or through an addendum to the will known as a codicil. In accordance with the law, the new will or codicil must be in writing, signed, and witnessed.

How to amend your will in Texas without a lawyer.

You can amend your will in Texas without a lawyer by having the new will or a codicil duly signed and witnessed. LegalPen, which is the best will writing service in Texas, is ready to assist you in meaning your will.

How to write a simple will without a lawyer

Writing a simple will without a lawyer requires you to have all the details of your properties and beneficiaries and clearly, by going straight to the point, state your wishes regarding the beneficiaries and their assets. If you require a Simple Will Sample, you can contact LegalPen, which is at your service.

How to write a living will without a lawyer.

You can write a living will without a lawyer by having your wishes on what medical interventions and provisions should be applied to you when you are incapacitated.

Getting help with your will from professional online makers.

You can get help with your will from a legal professional at LegalPen, a reputable online writing service that will ensure your needs are met and your will is valid.