How To Write a Will and What Should You Include?

Writing a will doesn’t have to be daunting. It’s a powerful step to ensure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are looked after. Wondering where to start or what to include? You’re in the right spot.

We’re breaking down the process into simple steps. Whether you’re leaning towards a DIY will or thinking about getting professional help, we cover all bases. Our goal? To clarify the process and empower you to safeguard your legacy precisely as you wish.

Step-by-Step Guide

Tackling your will is simpler than it seems. Here’s a straightforward path to follow:

1. List Your Belongings: Start with an inventory of your assets. This includes tangible items like your home and car, as well as intangible ones like bank accounts and online profiles. Knowing what you have clarifies what you can give.
2. Determine Heirs: Decide who gets what. This is your chance to think about the people and causes close to your heart and how you can support them even when you're not around.
3. Pick an Executor: This person will carry out the wishes outlined in your will, so choose someone competent and trustworthy. Discuss the role with them beforehand to ensure they’re willing and able to take it on.
4. Guardians for Minors: If you have children under 18, choose a guardian for them. Consider someone who shares your values and has the capacity to provide a loving home.
5. Pen It Down: Whether you opt for a handwritten note, an online template, or professional legal assistance, getting your will written down is key. Each method has its pros and cons, so choose what best suits your needs.
6. Witnesses and Signatures: Sign your will in the presence of at least two witnesses who are not beneficiaries. This step is crucial for making your document legally binding.
7. Review and Update: Circumstances change, so it’s wise to revisit your will periodically. Marriage, divorce, births, and deaths can all affect your initial decisions.

By methodically following these steps, you create a clear, legally sound document that reflects your wishes accurately.

What to Include in Your Will

Writing a will? It’s more than a list of who gets your stuff. It’s about making sure everything you care about goes exactly where you want it to. Here’s the rundown on what to include:

Assets and Beneficiaries

• List Every Asset: Take time to spell out everything you own that’s worth mentioning—from your house and savings accounts to the digital footprint you leave behind. Clarity here is key to avoiding any mix-ups later on.
• Pick Your People (or Places): Decide who gets what. This could be family, friends, or even your favorite charity. Being specific about who gets which asset can help sidestep any family feuds.

Guardianship of Dependents

• Who Watches Over the Kids?: If you’ve got children under 18 or anyone depending on you, picking a guardian is a big deal. Look for someone who mirrors your values and has the bandwidth to step in. And yes, definitely chat with them first to make sure they’re up for it.

Executor and Their Responsibilities

• The Executor’s Role: This is the person who’ll make sure your will is carried out just as you wanted. They deal with the nitty-gritty like settling debts and getting your assets to the right people. Choose someone who’s not just trustworthy but also has a good head on their shoulders.

Signatures and Witnesses

• Seal the Deal: Your will needs your signature and those of two witnesses to make it official. These witnesses should be people who don’t gain anything from your will, ensuring everything’s fair and square. Follow your local laws to the letter here to make sure your will stands strong.



Including these elements ensures your will does exactly what you intend—protect your assets and look after your loved ones. It’s about giving you peace of mind and making things as straightforward as possible for those you care about.

Conclusion

Crafting a will is a powerful step toward peace of mind—for you and those you care about. It's more than a legal document; it's a blueprint for the future, ensuring your wishes are known and followed.



With every asset listed, every beneficiary named, and every guardian chosen, you lay a foundation of clarity and care. This not only simplifies the process for your loved ones but also aims to prevent any potential disputes or confusion.

If you've taken the steps outlined, pat yourself on the back. You're not just planning for the inevitable; you're doing so with foresight and consideration. It's a profound act of love, ensuring your legacy lives on just as you envision.