1. Take a look at your present situation – your civil status, your kids, your home – anything that would likely affect your life within five years.
2. Place the title of your document on the first line. It should be written in capital letters. Say something like “THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF (your name).
3. Your full name should follow immediately. Then your current home address. Include also your date of birth, Social Security number, and other important information.
4. Make clear declarations, such as
“This is my last will and testament. Any written will prior to this is null and void.”
“I was in my right mind when I was preparing this document.”
“I make these statements of my own free will and without duress or undue influence.”
5. Write the full name of your executor. Your executor should be well-thought of because he will carry out the provisions of your will.
6. Name your children’s guardian. The guardian will take care of your minor children.
7. Make a clear list of your assets and their corresponding beneficiaries. Don’t forget to identify a second beneficiary in case the first beneficiary fails to survive. Beneficiaries should also be updated.
8. Include valuables that do not have monetary values. Remember to specify the beneficiaries of these valuables.
9. Be particular with the details of your preferred funeral arrangements.
10. Never forget to sign your last will and testament. Do it in front of a lawyer. Be sure that the document is notarized by a notary public.
11. Keep your will updated. Some of the more common reasons for updating includes change in beneficiaries, change in civil status, assets listed are no longer existing, new assets have to be added, removal or guardians, and change in executor.