Simple Steps for How to Make a Will
How to Make a Will: A Step-by-Step Guide to Protect Your Family
How to make a will may seem intimidating, but it’s one of the most empowering steps you can take to protect your loved ones. A properly drafted will ensures your wishes are followed, your belongings are distributed as intended, and your family avoids unnecessary legal complications. Despite its importance, nearly half of Americans still don’t have a will.
Many believe they don’t have enough assets to justify one, or they simply don’t know how to make a will. But regardless of how much you own, everyone has something valuable—emotionally or financially—that deserves to be passed down thoughtfully. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make a will, whether you’re looking for a Free Will Template or using an online will maker to get started.
Simple Steps on How to Make a Will
1. Determine the Type of Will You Need
Before doing anything else, you’ll need to decide which type of will is best. Most people with a basic estate can use a simple will or a last will and testament. These allow you to name beneficiaries, assign guardians for minor children, and designate an executor.
If your estate includes a business, multiple properties, or high-value assets, you may want to consult an attorney or explore creating a living trust as part of your estate plan.
2. Decide What Belongings to Include in Your Will
As you learn how to make a will, it’s important to understand what items you should include. A will typically covers personal property and probate assets—those that are not automatically transferred to someone else.
Common probate and sentimental assets include:
- Jewelry (e.g., a favorite necklace or wedding ring)
- Furniture or artwork
- Collectibles, such as coin collections or sports memorabilia
- Family heirlooms
- Electronics, tools, or household items
- Vehicles solely in your name
- Real estate (not held in joint tenancy)
The more detailed you are, the better. For example:
“I leave my grandfather’s coin collection to my nephew, Ryan Smith.”
Such clarity helps avoid disputes and streamlines probate.
Avoid including non-probate assets like:
- Life insurance policies with named beneficiaries
- Retirement accounts (e.g., 401(k), IRA)
- Bank accounts with payable-on-death designations
- Property held in joint tenancy with rights of survivorship
These items will typically pass outside of your will. Focus your will on specific, sentimental, and probate-eligible belongings that truly reflect your values and relationships.
3. Choose Your Beneficiaries
Once you’ve listed the property to include in your will, decide who should receive what. These individuals or entities are your beneficiaries. You can name one or many, and they can include:
- Your spouse or partner
- Children or grandchildren
- Siblings or extended relatives
- Friends
- Charities or nonprofit organizations
4. Appoint an Executor
Every will needs an executor. This person ensures that your wishes are carried out, debts are paid, and property is distributed as outlined in your will. Pick someone who is:
- Responsible and organized
- Honest and trustworthy
- Comfortable managing legal or financial tasks
Make sure you notify them and confirm they’re willing to accept the role.
5. Name Guardians for Minor Children
If you have children under 18, name a legal guardian in your will. This person will care for your children if both parents are no longer living. You should also name a backup guardian just in case.
Think carefully about the values and stability of the people you name. You’re entrusting them with your children’s future.
6. Sign Your Will in Front of Witnesses
For your will to be legally valid, it must be signed correctly. Most states require two adult witnesses. These witnesses cannot be:
- Beneficiaries
- Guardians
- Executors
Choose neutral individuals—friends or neighbors work well. Also, consider signing a self-proving affidavit, which makes probate faster.
Requirements of Witness’s for a Will
7. Store Your Will in a Safe Location
After signing, store your will somewhere secure yet accessible. Good options include:
- A fireproof home safe
- A trusted attorney’s office
- A secure online platform like SideDrawer.com
Avoid hiding your will in a filing cabinet, on your computer without backup, or in a safe deposit box that no one can access without a court order.
The Importance of Storing Your Will in the Right Place
8. Tell Someone Where to Find It
Even the most well-written will won’t help if no one knows it exists. Let your executor and a trusted family member know:
- Where the will is stored
- How to access it
- Any passwords or legal steps required
In addition to telling someone, registering your will adds another layer of security. By registering it with a reputable service like The U.S. Will Registry, you create a permanent, confidential record of where your will is stored. This ensures your loved ones will be able to locate it quickly and easily when the time comes—especially if you’re unavailable to tell them.
Too often, families are left guessing whether a will exists, which attorney prepared it, or where it was stored. Registration removes that uncertainty and protects your final wishes.
👉Register Your Will Now with The U.S. Will Registry
9. Update Your Will Regularly
Life changes, and your will should too. Revisit your will every 3–5 years or after major events such as:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth of a child or grandchild
- A move to a different state
- A death in the family
- Purchase or sale of a major asset
Many people use an online will maker to make quick edits. Some services even allow unlimited updates.
💼 The U.S. Will Registry Free Will Template
If you’re wondering how to make a will without legal stress or high costs, The U.S. Will Registry offers the most trusted Free Will Template available today.
For Simple Estates
If your estate is straightforward, their Free Will Template is perfect. It covers all essential elements—beneficiaries, guardianship, executors, and specific bequests.
For Complex Estates
Even if your situation is more complex, this tool still saves time and money. Create your draft using the online will maker, then bring it to an attorney. This approach helps:
- Organize your thoughts in advance
- Clarify who gets what
- Reduce attorney drafting time (and cost)
It’s also a powerful way to consider sentimental items you may otherwise forget—like a favorite quilt, a family Bible, or a special painting.
The U.S. Will Registry was founded in 1997 and is the nation’s most respected resource for locating, storing, and creating wills. Their online will maker is free, legally valid, easy to use, and trusted by millions.
👉 Get started now: Create Your Free Will
📘 FAQs on How to Make a Will
Your assets will be distributed according to your state’s intestate succession laws. This might not reflect your wishes and could lead to family conflict.
Yes, as long as the provider is reputable. The U.S. Will Registry’s online will maker is secure, legal, and widely trusted.
Avoid listing non-probate assets like life insurance or retirement accounts. These typically pass directly to the named beneficiary.
Review your will every 3 to 5 years or after life changes like marriage, divorce, moving states, or major purchases.
Registration ensures your family can find your will when the time comes. It’s free and secure—your will remains private unless proof of death is submitted.
Editorial Review:
This article was prepared by estate planning researchers and reviewed by S. Miller and staff. With more than 25 years of experience in estate planning documentation and probate processes, our editorial oversight ensures clarity and accuracy. This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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