Creating a Simple Will Using an Online Template
Created by Cheli
Step-by-step guide to draft, review, and finalize a basic will using reputable online will-making services.
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Checklist Items (21)
Research and Choose an Online Will Service
Identify a service that offers state‑specific templates, clear pricing, and good user reviews.
Compare popular providers (LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, Trust & Will, etc.)
Look at features, pricing tiers, and whether they provide attorney support.
Verify the service complies with your state's legal requirements
Check that the template includes state‑specific attestation clauses and meets execution rules.
Read user reviews and check for any hidden fees
Search BBB, Trustpilot, and Reddit for experiences; note any upsell processes.
Gather Required Information
Collect the personal, financial, and familial details needed to complete the template.
Personal details: full legal name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number
Needed for accurate identification in the will.
Asset inventory: list real estate, bank accounts, investments, vehicles, and valuable personal property
Include approximate values and ownership type (sole, joint, trust).
Beneficiary and fiduciary information: names of heirs, chosen executor, alternate executor, and guardian for minors
Also note any debts or liabilities that the estate must settle.
Fill Out the Online Template
Enter your gathered information into the service’s guided interview.
Enter personal information exactly as it appears on your government ID
Ensures the will matches your legal identity.
Input your asset list, specifying each asset’s ownership and approximate value
Helps prevent confusion about what is being distributed.
Name beneficiaries, assign percentages or specific items, and appoint your executor and alternate
Be clear to avoid disputes; include contingent beneficiaries if desired.
Add specific bequests, a residual clause, and any optional provisions (e.g., pet care, digital assets)
Cover items not expressly mentioned and address modern concerns.
Review and Customize the Will
Check the generated draft for accuracy, completeness, and legal sufficiency.
Read the entire draft aloud to spot awkward phrasing, missing info, or inconsistencies
Listening helps catch errors that silent reading may miss.
Confirm language meets your state's statutory requirements and add any special clauses
Ensure attestation clause is present; consider adding digital asset or pet care provisions.
Sign and Witness the Will
Execute the will according to your state’s witnessing and notarization rules.
Print the final document on plain white paper, single‑sided
Most states require a physical paper copy for signing.
Arrange for two disinterested adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries
Witnesses must watch you sign and then sign themselves.
Sign and date the will in the presence of both witnesses; have them sign and date as well
Follow the exact ceremony required by your state’s statutes.
Store the Will Safely
Protect the original signed will from damage, loss, or unauthorized access.
Place the original in a fireproof home safe or a safety deposit box
Ensure the location is secure yet accessible to your executor when needed.
Inform your executor of the will’s location and how to access it
Provide any necessary codes, keys, or contact information for the storage facility.
Inform Key People
Let the relevant individuals know about their roles and where to find the will.
Notify your executor of their appointment and discuss their responsibilities
Confirm they are willing and able to serve; provide contact info for your attorney if applicable.
Let a trusted family member or friend know where the will is stored
This person can assist the executor if they encounter difficulty locating the document.
Periodic Review and Updates
Keep your will current to reflect life changes and evolving wishes.
Set a calendar reminder to review the will every 2‑3 years
Regular reviews help catch outdated provisions before they become an issue.
Review after major life events: marriage, divorce, birth, death, or a substantial change in assets
These events often necessitate updating beneficiaries, executor, or asset distributions.