Collective Will for Partners Outline
COLLECTIVE WILL FOR PARTNERS OUTLINE
1. Introduction
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Title: Collective Will of [Partner 1’s Name] and [Partner 2’s Name]
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Date: [Insert Date]
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Purpose: To outline the distribution of assets and express the final wishes of [Partner 1] and [Partner 2].
2. Declaration
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We, [Partner 1’s Name] and [Partner 2’s Name], residing at [Address], declare this document to be our collective last Will and Testament. We revoke all previous Wills and codicils made by either of us.
3. Personal Information
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Partner 1:
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Full Name: [Full Name]
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Date of Birth: [DOB]
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Address: [Address]
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Partner 2:
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Full Name: [Full Name]
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Date of Birth: [DOB]
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Address: [Address]
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4. Executor Appointment
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We appoint [Executor’s Full Name] as the executor of our estate. If they are unable or unwilling to serve, we appoint [Alternate Executor’s Full Name].
5. Tax Planning Considerations
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We intend to minimize estate taxes by:
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Utilizing Spousal Exemption: Ensuring that assets transferred to the surviving partner are exempt from estate taxes.
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Gifting Strategy: Considering lifetime gifts to beneficiaries to reduce the overall taxable estate.
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Trust Establishment: Discussing the potential creation of a trust to manage and distribute assets while minimizing tax implications.
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Joint Ownership: Holding property in joint names to facilitate a step-up in basis and reduce capital gains tax on appreciated assets.
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6. Distribution of Assets
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Primary Beneficiaries:
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We direct that our assets be distributed as follows:
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To [Partner 2’s Name]: All remaining assets not specifically bequeathed to others.
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To [Beneficiary Name]: [Specify assets, e.g., "50% of the joint bank account"].
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To [Beneficiary Name]: [Specify assets, e.g., "Our home located at [Address]"].
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Other Specific Bequests:
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[Asset/Property] to [Beneficiary Name].
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[Asset/Property] to [Beneficiary Name].
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Contingent Beneficiaries: If a primary beneficiary predeceases us, their share shall go to [Contingent Beneficiary Name].
7. Guardianship of Minor Children (if applicable)
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In the event of both of our deaths, we appoint [Guardian’s Full Name] as the guardian of our minor children. If they are unable to serve, we appoint [Alternate Guardian’s Full Name].
8. Funeral and Burial Wishes
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We express our wishes for our funeral arrangements as follows:
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[Specify any wishes regarding burial, cremation, or other preferences].
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9. Signatures and Witnesses
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We, [Partner 1’s Name] and [Partner 2’s Name], hereby declare that we are of sound mind and body, and we voluntarily sign this Will on the date written above.
Signatures:
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____________________________ [Partner 1’s Name]
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____________________________ [Partner 2’s Name]
Witnesses:
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We, the undersigned witnesses, affirm that [Partner 1’s Name] and [Partner 2’s Name] signed this Collective Will in our presence and that we witnessed their signatures.
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____________________________ [Witness 1’s Name]
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____________________________ [Witness 2’s Name]
Additional Notes
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Legal Review: It is recommended that this document be reviewed by a qualified estate planning attorney to ensure compliance with local laws and tax regulations.
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Storage: Keep this Will in a safe place and inform the executor of its location.