Use LawDepot’s Last Will and Testament template to create a simple yet comprehensive document. We’ll guide you through the different aspects of an estate, so you can feel confident your document covers everything.
Simply answer the questionnaire to customise the template, then print, sign, and execute your legal Last Will and Testament.
The information you’ll need to write your Will is as follows.
1. Record testator details
You must include the testator’s:
- Full name
- Place of residence
- Marital status
These details may affect the laws that apply to the distribution of the estate.
2. Name an executor
An executor is responsible for administering your estate. The duties related to this role may include:
- Paying debts, funeral expenses, and estate taxes and costs
- Collecting or disposing of personal property
- Managing real estate and/or investments
- Opening or closing bank accounts
- Carrying out final instructions
With this in mind, it’s crucial to appoint someone you trust to act as your executor. Not only should this person be willing and capable to act in this role, but they must also meet legal requirements. For instance, you cannot choose a minor or someone who has been convicted of a criminal offence.
Note that you may have more than one executor. In this case, they must cooperate to administer the estate. It’s also best practice to name an alternate executor should anything prevent your first choice from carrying out your estate plans.
Finally, it’s perfectly acceptable for your executor to be a beneficiary in your Will. In fact, this is common when family members are appointed as executors.
Alternatively, you can hire a professional (such as a solicitor or accountant) to administer your Will. In this case, funds from your estate will go towards the professional’s fee.
3. Add family details
Add the names of any children you have and specify whether they’re minors or adult dependents. If needed, you can name a guardian to assume responsibility for your dependent children when you pass away. Of course, this person would only take responsibility if both parents die.
If you have minor beneficiaries, LawDepot’s Last Will and Testament template allows you to add a term for delaying their inheritance until they reach a certain age.
4. Specify gifts and name beneficiaries
Your beneficiaries are the individuals, organisations, or charities that will benefit from your Will by inheriting property or sentimental gifts.
If there are specific items (such as heirloom jewellery or the family home) that you wish to bestow on a particular person, be sure to say so in your Will.
Keep in mind that there are certain things you cannot include in your Last Will and Testament:
- Proceeds from programs that already have beneficiaries (e.g. pension funds)
- Jointly held property with rights of survivorship (i.e., the other owner automatically inherits the deceased’s share)
- Your spouse's property
After listing specific gifts, you can name the beneficiaries who will inherit the remainder of your estate.
If your listed beneficiaries cannot accept the inheritance (e.g., they refuse or predecease you), you can also add a wipeout beneficiary to inherit instead. Otherwise, people typically leave their inheritance to be divided equally among their parents and siblings.
5. Add final details
If you’d like to add specific instructions that aren’t already addressed in the questionnaire, you can write the clause yourself. For example, you may wish to forgive someone for an unpaid debt.
However, you should avoid adding instructions for funeral plans, as it’s likely your Last Will won’t be read until after your funeral. What’s more, these instructions will not be legally binding.