Writing your own Last Will And Testament is fairly easy. No specific wording for Last Will And
Testament is required just as there is not a specific format required. While specific words are not
required, there are several wording requirements.
First, it must be stated clearly in the statement that you write for your Last Will And Testament
that it is your Last Will And Testament and that it is to be effective only upon your death. If you
do not write "Last Will And Testament" at the top or say "upon my death" or something like that,
people will not know that it is your Last Will And Testament. If you say "I give...." without
making clear that it is your Last Will And Testament, people may think that it is a present and
current gift.
Second, while some states recognize handwritten (literally in the person's own handwriting) Last
Will And Testaments without witnesses, most states do not. So you need to include a statement
that the witnesses saw you sign your Last Will And Testament while in their presence. And you
need to sign your Last Will And Testament in front of the witnesses.
Third, you need to state clearly your wishes and desires. It is no good if people who read your
Last Will And Testament have to guess what you mean. You may want to have other people read
your Last Will And Testament and tell you what they think it means. If they say it means
something different than what you intended, then change the wording to make it clear.
It is best to have a lawyer prepare a Last Will And Testament for you. But, if you want to make
your own Will, rather than "reinvent the wheel," it is a good idea to use a Last Will And
Testament form. Generally, these forms have been reviewed by a lawyer and have the standard
wording for a Last Will And Testament.
Don't wait. Don't put off making your Last Will And Testament. It is said that we are not
promised tomorrow. The truth is that we are not promised the next moment.
The above information is general information only. For specific questions or clarification, contact a lawyer licensed in your state.
