Last Will And Testament

No one likes to think about dying. However, whether you're perfectly healthy or you're in declining health, it's still a good idea to write up a last will and testament. While it's grim work, it will save your surviving family and friends a lot of pain and effort after you're gone. Here are a few things to consider as you make your last will and testament.

Contrary to popular belief, making up your own last will and testament isn't as difficult as it seems. While a lawyer isn't necessary, it's still a good idea to run it by him or her, especially if you have any particularly complicated requests in mind. This will make absolutely sure that your will won't be questioned after your death. That aside, the only real requirement is to have your will signed by two witnesses who aren't on the will. These can be everything from friends and family members to your state notary.

Of course, there are a few requirements you must consider as you write your last will and testament. While you are free to distribute your money, belongings, and property as you see fit, you must prove that you are both sound of mind and body at the beginning of the will. You must also identify yourself as the writer of the will and include the phrase “last will and testament” somewhere in the document. Finally, if you've written a will in the past, it's a good idea to mention that previous such documents are null and void. This way, there is absolutely no doubt regarding your last wishes.

That done, you're free to put your affairs at ease. This can be anything from deciding who your pets will live with to deciding who will be the guardian to your children. If you've written books or created art, your last will and testament can decide what happens to your art after you're gone.

Along with writing a last will and testament, many also make living wills. These allow you to decide what should happen to you should you become so ill or injured that you can't decide for yourself what should happen next. It may be unpleasant to think about, but it's much better than putting your family through the agony of not knowing whether or not to keep you alive. Learn more today about how to create a last will and testament and how it can benefit you.