- 1). List your belongings. You will want to make sure you have a complete list of everything you want to include in your will.
- 2). Determine who your beneficiaries and executor will be. The executor is the person who handles the will, going to court for the probate process in which the will is approved and actually distributing the assets. The executor can be a beneficiary or can be a third party, such as an attorney. The beneficiaries are the people who are going to receive each item. You should also make sure to include someone who will receive anything you own that you don't expressly mention in the will.
- 3). Learn the specific rules for your state. Wills have to be formatted and created in a certain way to be legal. Generally, the will must be in writing. It also must be witnessed by several independent third parties who are not named in the will. Each state has slightly different rules for how many witnesses you need and the format for the will. You can research the laws for your state online, get help from an attorney, or use a kit to create your own will that are usually available online and at office supply stores.
- 4). Write your will according to the rules of your state, and sign it in front of the required number of witnesses.
- 5). Register your will. There are different departments in each state, often known as the County Registrar's office or the Register of Wills. You want to ensure your will is on file with these agencies so there will be no question as to its validity and existence. You should also let your family members know that you have a will and that they should consult it upon your death to determine what happens to your belongings.
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