Free Draft Will Template
Draft Will
I. Introduction
I, [Your Name], currently residing at [Your Address], being of sound mind and disposing of memory, do hereby make, publish, and declare this to be my last will, revoking all previous wills and codicils made by me.
II. Executor Appointment
I nominate and appoint [Executor's Name], currently residing at [Executor's Address], to be the executor of this Will. If [Executor's Name] is unable or unwilling to serve, I appoint [Alternate Executor's Name], currently residing at [Alternate Executor's Address], as alternate executor.
III. Debts and Funeral Expenses
I hereby instruct and authorize my appointed executor to ensure all of my legitimate debts and financial obligations are duly settled, to cover all funeral expenses incurred as a result of my death, and to manage any costs associated with the administration of my estate. All of these tasks should be carried out as soon as possible following my demise.
IV. Distribution of Personal Effects
I give, devise, and bequeath all of my tangible personal property, including but not limited to household furniture, jewelry, and personal effects, to [Beneficiary's Name], currently residing at [Beneficiary's Address].
V. Specific Bequests
I give, devise, and bequeath the following specific gifts:
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[Description of specific gift], to [Name of Recipient].
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[Description of specific gift], to [Name of Recipient].
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[Description of specific gift], to [Name of Recipient].
VI. Residuary Estate
I give, devise, and bequeath all the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, of whatever kind and wherever situated, to be divided equally among my [number] beneficiaries: [Beneficiary 1 Name], [Beneficiary 2 Name], etc.
VII. Guardianship
If I have any minor children at the time of my death, I nominate [Guardian's Name], currently residing at [Guardian's Address], to serve as guardian of their persons. If [Guardian's Name] is unable or unwilling to serve, I nominate [Alternate Guardian's Name], currently residing at [Alternate Guardian's Address], as alternate guardian.
VIII. Powers of Executor
I grant to my executor all powers provided by law, including but not limited to the power to sell, mortgage, lease, or otherwise dispose of any property, real or personal, belonging to my estate, without obtaining court authorization, and at public or private sale, with or without notice.
IX. Miscellaneous Provisions
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I direct that any reference in this Will to a specific gender includes all other genders and that the singular includes the plural and vice versa.
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If any beneficiary under this Will contests or challenges the validity of this Will or any of its provisions, any share or interest in my estate given to that beneficiary under this Will shall lapse, and the share or interest shall be distributed as if that beneficiary predeceased me.
X. Governing Law
This Will shall be governed by and construed by the laws of [Your State/Country].
XI. Execution
I declare that I have signed my name to this Will on [Date], at [Location], in the presence of the undersigned witnesses, and that I execute it as my last will.
XII. Witnesses
Signed, sealed, published, and declared by [Your Name], the testator, as and for his/her last will in the presence of us, who, at his/her request and in his/her presence, and the presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnesses on this [Date].
Testator
Name: [Your Name]
Address: [Your Address]
Witness 1
Name: [Witness 1 Name]
Address: [Witness 1 Address]
Witness 2
Name: [Witness 2 Name]
Address: [Witness 2 Address]
XII. Notary
State of [Your State], County of [Your County], ss:
On this [Date], before me, [Notary's Name], a notary public in and for the said state, personally appeared [Your Name], known to me to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that he/she executed the same as his/her free act and deed.
Notary Public: [Notary's Name]
My Commission Expires: [Expiration Date]