Wills, Trusts & Estates
Last Will and Testament
A will names who gets your assets and who’s in charge of carrying that out. The document matters less for what it says than for whether it was executed correctly — that’s what decides whether it holds up when it’s actually needed.
What a will needs to include
- • A clear statement that it's your will, revoking any prior wills
- • Your executor — the person responsible for carrying it out
- • Your beneficiaries and what each one receives
- • Guardians named for any minor children
- • Proper execution — your signature, witnessed as your state requires
Why execution details are what actually matters
Most will contests aren’t about what the will says — they’re about whether it was signed and witnessed correctly, or whether the beneficiary language was clear enough to avoid a dispute. See why a DIY will template can get thrown out in probate →
A will alone doesn’t avoid probate
If avoiding probate matters to you, a will typically needs to be paired with a living trust. Compare wills and trusts to see which you need →
Common Questions
Last Will and Testament FAQ
- They're the same document — 'last will and testament' and 'final will and testament' are just two common ways people phrase it. It's the document that names who gets your assets and who's in charge of carrying that out.
Get your will drafted
A licensed attorney drafts your will to name your executor and beneficiaries clearly, executed the way your state requires.
This is general information, not legal advice for your specific estate. Execution requirements vary by state and are subject to change — confirm what applies to you before relying on any template.