Here is a basic Last Will and Testament template that is designed to be compliant in all U.S. states. Please note that while this template can be a good starting point, it’s always advisable to consult with an attorney to ensure it meets the specific requirements of your state.
LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
I, [Your Full Name], of [City, State], being of sound mind and disposing memory, do hereby declare this to be my Last Will and Testament, revoking all previous wills and codicils made by me.
ARTICLE I: PERSONAL INFORMATION
- Full Name: [Your Full Name]
- Address: [Your Full Address]
- Date of Birth: [Your Date of Birth]
ARTICLE II: DECLARATION
I declare that I am making this Last Will and Testament of my own free will, without any undue influence or duress. This document reflects my final wishes regarding the disposition of my estate after my death.
ARTICLE III: EXECUTOR
- I appoint [Executor’s Full Name] of [Executor’s Address] as the Executor of this Will.
- If [Executor’s Full Name] is unable or unwilling to serve, I appoint [Alternate Executor’s Full Name] of [Alternate Executor’s Address] as the alternate Executor.
ARTICLE IV: DISPOSITION OF ASSETS
- Specific Bequests:
- I leave [Description of Specific Asset] to [Beneficiary’s Full Name] of [Beneficiary’s Address].
- [Add additional specific bequests as necessary.]
- Residue of Estate:
- I direct that the remainder of my estate, after the payment of debts, taxes, and expenses, be distributed as follows:
- [Percentage or Specific Assets] to [Beneficiary’s Full Name].
- [Percentage or Specific Assets] to [Beneficiary’s Full Name].
- I direct that the remainder of my estate, after the payment of debts, taxes, and expenses, be distributed as follows:
ARTICLE V: GUARDIANSHIP (If applicable)
If I have minor children at the time of my death, I appoint [Guardian’s Full Name] of [Guardian’s Address] as Guardian of the person and property of my minor children.
If [Guardian’s Full Name] is unable or unwilling to serve, I appoint [Alternate Guardian’s Full Name] of [Alternate Guardian’s Address] as the alternate Guardian.
ARTICLE VI: DEBTS AND EXPENSES
I direct that all my just debts, funeral expenses, and the costs of administering my estate be paid out of my estate as soon as reasonably possible after my death.
ARTICLE VII: GENERAL PROVISIONS
- If any provision of this Will is deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
- This Will shall be governed by the laws of the State of [Your State].
ARTICLE VIII: SIGNATURE AND WITNESSES
I, [Your Full Name], the testator, sign my name to this Last Will and Testament on this [Day] of [Month], [Year].
Signature of Testator: ___________________________
Date: [Date]
WITNESS DECLARATION
We, the undersigned witnesses, declare under penalty of perjury that the testator, [Your Full Name], signed this Last Will and Testament in our presence, and we, at the testator’s request and in the presence of the testator and each other, now sign this Will as witnesses. We further declare that the testator is of sound mind and under no undue influence.
Witness 1:
Name: ___________________________
Address: ___________________________
Signature: ___________________________
Date: [Date]
Witness 2:
Name: ___________________________
Address: ___________________________
Signature: ___________________________
Date: [Date]
NOTARIZATION (Optional, but recommended)
State of [State]
County of [County]
On this [Day] of [Month], [Year], before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for the State of [State], personally appeared [Your Full Name], the testator, and [Witness 1] and [Witness 2], witnesses, who signed the foregoing instrument in my presence.
Notary Public: ___________________________
My Commission Expires: ___________________________
This template provides a general framework for a Last Will and Testament. State-specific requirements (e.g., witness and notarization rules) may vary, so consulting an attorney familiar with estate planning in your state is recommended.