How to make a will without a lawyer
You may think that lawyers are necessary to make a bill. But, here’s a piece of good news for you! You can make wills without hiring a lawyer.
1) Look for a suitable template or service online
You can choose from various templates available online. These templates shall guide you to write the will. You may take the help of online services that will help you walk you through the process of making a will.
2) List down your assets
To leave the property for your heirs, you have to list all your assets to know what you have.
If you are the owner of real estate along with another person, you do not have to mention any beneficiary. It is because the property will pass to the joint owner automatically, or your spouse will get it after your death.
3) Be clear about everyone’s shares
Be specific about who gets which assets. It prevents disputes. Write full names instead of the relationship you share with them.
4) Choose a guardian in case of minor children
If you think of minor children as your beneficiary, note their birth dates with full names in the will. Mention the full name of the guardian to take legal responsibility.
5) Specify your pet
If you have a pet, do not forget to mention its guardian in the will. You may leave some money to that person for future use.
6) Choose a person to execute the will
Make a wise choice of the executor. It is mandatory to choose an executor who would keep an eye on that all instructions of the will are followed.
7) Specify the residuary beneficiary
You may also specify the name of someone who would get the remaining assets after the executor has executed all the instructions written in the will.
8) Make a list of funeral preferences
Experts advise creating a separate document specifying the funeral preferences and your last wishes if any. You may include these in the will as well.
9) Get a printout of the will and sign it
Take out a printout of the will, sign it, and choose two appropriate people as witnesses for it.
10) Keep the will safely
Keep the will in a secure place. Inform about it the executor or the beneficiary.
If you want to write a will with a lawyer. Do read this post – HOW TO WRITE WILL IN INDIA?
Final words
Keep the will secretly or in the custody of a trustworthy person to prevent problems in the future.
Thanks
Hemant K Midha