Everybody needs a will (aka, last will and testament), but where do you start? Here's information on making your own simple will (and why a simple will is much better than a complicated one) key things to make sure your will takes care of (like naming a guardian for your kids), and what a will can't do.
Most people know that they should have a will, but many don’t know what a will is and how it works.
The Simple Will: No Frills, No Fuss, No Anxiety
If we do nothing else to take care of our legal affairs, we should write a will. Even a basic will can do a lot.
Many kinds of property—perhaps some of the most valuable things you own—don't necessarily pass through your will. Here are some things you shouldn't expect to accomplish in your will.
Learn about the places where you can keep your will—and the pros and cons of each one.
Your closest relatives may have a right to claim part of your estate.
Writing a Will: Including a Letter to Your Survivors
Writing a will is for strictly legal tasks like naming your executor, beneficiaries for property, and guardians for children.
What you need to know about wills -- the most basic estate planning document.
Learn about the rapidly changing landscape of e-wills, and find out whether your state allows them.
Joint Wills for Married Couples
While joint wills might seem convenient, they carry many potential problems and pitfalls.
Appointing Guardians for Your Children in Your Will
Learn why you should name a guardian for your children, what the rules and limitations are in making the choice, and how to make the formal appointment.
5 Reasons to Make a Will If You Have Children
If you have kids, you need a will.
Naming a Guardian for Your Child: Problems and Solutions
Learn how to handle common difficulties in choosing a guardian.
Restrictions on Out-of-State Guardians for Minors
When naming guardians for your children in your will, it's usually best to name a guardian who lives relatively close to your child.
Leaving an Inheritance for Children
When you leave money or property for a child to inherit, arrange for someone to manage it.
The Uniform Transfers to Minors Act Is the Law in Every State
All U.S. states have adopted the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act.
Ohio's Age Limit for UTMA Custodianship: 25 Years Old
Under the Ohio Transfers to Minors Act, a custodian can manage property inherited by a young person.
Can I make a will online? How is this different than going to a lawyer for a will? Is it safe? Can I assign a guardian for my child in case anything happens to me?
Can My Dad Quitclaim Property to Me Instead of Leaving It by Will?
My father wants to quitclaim deed his property over to me before he dies. Can this be done?
What Is the Best Way to Update My Will?
What is the best way to update my will?
Joint Wills for Married Couples
While joint wills might seem convenient, they carry many potential problems and pitfalls.
Can I Disinherit an Adopted Child?
Is it legal for adoptive parents to disinherit their adopted children?
Do I Share in My Husband's Inheritance of His Mom's House?
My mother-in-law left her house to my husband when she died. My husband says the house belongs to him. But doesn't it belong to both of us since we live in a community property state?
Why Not Make a Codicil to Amend Your Will?
A codicil is a document that’s added to an existing will, to change or add to it. And it's virtually obsolete.
The best way to revoke (or get rid of) an existing will is to create a new will to replace it. Merely destroying the original will may not be enough. Here's why.
What Is the Best Way to Update My Will?
What is the best way to update my will?
Here are the few simple steps you need to take to create your will.
Ready to create your will?