This paper gives a guideline on how to write a will. Failure to write a detailed will leave your estate in the hands of people you may have never wished to own your properties when you die. This paper gives guidelines on the steps that you need to undertake to write a will.

A will refers to a legal document that is developed to set forth your wishes in regard to the distribution of property and the care of any minor children. When you die without a will, your wishes on property sharing will not be followed, and this gives an opportunity for anyone to access your properties. Your heirs may face serious challenges in accessing your properties and may be required to incur additional costs to be able to have what ideally belongs to them.

What is a will

A will is defined as a legal document that states the wishes of an individual upon his/her demise. The will, in this case, refers to a detailed description of what the stater, known as the testator wishes to be undertaken in case of death in reference to the management of his estate and/or properties. A will also mention the individual who is to execute the wishes of the testator, this person is known as the executor. A

Guidelines to write a will 

There are certain guides that you must follow to write a will. Planning and putting everything in order is important in ensuring that your legacy leaves on even after your demise. To write a will you need to begin with the identification of the assets that you own. This should be followed by the identification of the right guardian for your children. Avoid a lengthy probate period, this ensures that the state does not freeze your property for a long time upon your demise. Minimize your estate taxes and wind up your will by stating clearly the executor of the will, otherwise, the courts will assume the role. You can also disinherit other individuals that you feel should not benefit from your estate when you write a will. The law also gives you an opportunity to mention donations that you may want to offer to the need when you write the will. Once you finish writing the will, you should let the executor know their role to ensure no issues arose in case of your demise.

Who can write a will 

Anyone is eligible to write a will. Depending on your health condition, it is recommended that anyone with valuable assets write their wishes and demands on how their estates and properties should be managed in case they die. You can write the will alone, or seek the assistance of a professional lawyer. Apart from identifying your executor and a custodian for the kids, you also need to have witnesses when writing and finalizing on the will. This will ensure that the executor and custodian are kept under check in their implementation of your wishes.

I Mellissa Harters declares this to be my original will and revoke all other wills made prior to this date.

Debt management and funeral expenses

I give direction to my executors to pay all my enforceable and unsecured debts. My funeral expenses and any expenses incurred in my last illness should also be taken care of by the administrator. I also direct the administrator to manage my estate. The debts should be paid before the distribution of any assets.

Management of money and personal property

I give all my personal properties to my husband. If he dies before me, I give the properties to my children in equal shares. The properties should be divided among the children by the executor in consultation with the custodian of the children. My executor is also directed to pay for the estate expenses and focus on delivering property to various beneficiaries.

Real Estate

I give all my real estate properties to my husband and the children. The property should be shared in equal measures.