Printable Checklist for Writing a Will

A checklist for writing a will helps organize the important information you need before creating your last will and testament. A complete checklist includes choosing an executor, naming beneficiaries and guardians, listing assets, planning charitable gifts, reviewing your state’s legal requirements, and deciding where to safely store and register your completed will.

Using a checklist before writing your will can make the process easier and help prevent important decisions from being overlooked. Use the printable checklist below to organize the information you will need before creating or updating your will.

Checklist for Writing a Will

DOWNLOAD CHECKLISTTo Write a WillFree Printable PDF

Personal Information
☐  Full name: __________________________________________________________
☐ .Address: ___________________________________________________________
☐  Date of birth: ________________________________________________________

Choose an Executor
☐ Full name of executor: _________________________________________________
☐ Contact information: __________________________________________________

Appoint a Guardian (if applicable)
☐ Full name of guardian: ________________________________________________
☐ Contact information: __________________________________________________

Identify Beneficiaries
☐ .Beneficiary 1: ________________________________________________________
☐ ,Beneficiary 2: ________________________________________________________
☐ Additional beneficiaries: _______________________________________________

Specify Assets and Distribution
☐ .Real estate properties: ________________________________________________
☐  Bank accounts: ______________________________________________________
☐.Investments: ________________________________________________________
☐  Personal property: ___________________________________________________
☐ .Other assets: ________________________________________________________

Choose a Pet Executor (if applicable)
☐ Full name of executor: _________________________________________________
☐ Contact information: __________________________________________________

Choose a Digital Executor (to handle your online accounts) 
☐ Full name of executor: _________________________________________________
☐ Contact information: __________________________________________________

Include Charity Bequests
☐. Charity 1: ___________________________________________________________
☐, Charity 2: ___________________________________________________________
☐ Additional charities: __________________________________________________

Add Any Special Instructions
☐ .Special instructions 1: ________________________________________________
☐ ,Special instructions 2: ________________________________________________
☐ Additional instructions: ________________________________________________

Review Legal Requirements
☐ Witnesses’ full names: ________________________________________________
☐ Notary public (if required): _____________________________________________

Register and Store Your Will
☐  Register with The U.S. Will Registry (Free): _________________________________
☐ .Store will in a secure location: __________________________________________
☐  Provide copies to executor and beneficiaries: _____________________________

☐ Store will in iCloud Document Storage (Free w/SideDrawer.com) :_________________

Regularly Review and Update
☐ Schedule for reviewing will: ____________________________________________
☐ Update will after major life events: _______________________________________

Final Steps
☐ Consult with an attorney: ______________________________________________
☐ Sign and date the will: ________________________________________________

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