How to Write a Will for Free

It is important to write a will in order to ensure that your loved ones are taken care of in the event of your passing, or that you do not leave behind unfinished business for which your friends or family may be liable. When preparing a will, you can not only state how you want your assets to be allocated, but you can leave funeral arrangements and other information in your last will and testament. If you want to write your own will, here are the steps.

1. Step 1

   Get free legal forms for writing a will. It is best to get these forms for your state specifically in order to guarantee they will apply. Go to your local courthouse to get the forms to make a will. You can also get free will forms online. Choose a form that fits your specific status. There might be different forms for married couples, singles without children and singles with children. The majority of states require you to be 18 to make a will, although there are some exceptions. A will is subject to probate proceedings, is court supervised and open to the public. A will must be handled through power of attorney, you upon your death.

2. Step 2

   Name the will. The most common name for a will is "Last Will and Testament." Add in address, state, and mental state at the time of writing the will. Make sure each section of your will is numbered and in sequential order to avoid any confusion.

3. Step 3

   Designate executors and beneficiaries for your will. You will need to name people who will be in charge of carrying out the specifics in your will (executor) and those who will benefit from your asset allocation (beneficiaries).

4. Step 4

   Write in the beneficiaries of the estate, but also add in alternate beneficiaries if the first chosen do not survive to claim the monies or assets. Be sure to leave funeral arrangement information and other information that may be pertinent.

5. Step 5

   Create guardians for your children or pets. Guardians have to be over 18 years old in order to be legal. Be sure to set up a trust for your children that will help to support your kids. You will also need to choose a trustee who will distribute the assets to your children. Be sure to choose someone you trust implicitly to act as a trustee.

6. Step 6

   Add a living will into your will if you choose not to be kept alive on child support should the issue arise. Include the statement that you do not want to be kept alive using any artificial means if you do not want to be kept alive on life support.

7. Step 7

   Date and sign the will. Have witnesses as you are writing a will and declare your mental competence to write the will to ensure that the document is legal. The will is only legal if you sign it in front of at least two people. The witnesses must also sign the will. When writing your own will, sign the will in front of a notary and be sure the will is legal. Although this is not always necessary, it is a good step to take to avoid any disputes.