Last Will and Testament Template
This last will and testament template helps a person record how assets, guardianship of minor children, and final wishes should be carried out once they pass away.
Customize & DownloadLast Will and Testament Template Sample
I, [1. Testator Name], residing at [2. Testator Address], being of sound mind and memory, do hereby declare this to be my Last Will and Testament (this “Will”), and I hereby revoke all prior wills and codicils made by me.
Appointment of Executor
I appoint [3. Executor Name] to serve as the Executor of this Will. If [3. Executor Name] is unable, unwilling, or ceases to serve as Executor for any reason, I appoint [4. Alternate Executor Name] to serve as alternate Executor. My Executor shall serve without bond, to the extent permitted by law, and shall have full power and authority to administer my estate, including the power to sell, lease, mortgage, invest, and distribute estate property, pay debts, expenses, and taxes, and take any other action necessary to settle my estate, without the need for court approval except as required by law.
Guardian for Minor Children
If, at the time of my death, I am survived by minor children for whom a guardian is needed, I appoint [5. Guardian Name] to serve as guardian of the person and property of such minor children, to serve without bond, to the extent permitted by law.
Specific Bequests
I give the following specific gifts, free of all debts, taxes, and expenses: [6. Specific Bequests]. If any beneficiary named in this Article does not survive me, the gift intended for that beneficiary shall lapse and become part of my residuary estate unless otherwise provided above.
Residuary Estate
I give all the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, of whatever kind and wherever located, whether owned by me at the time of execution of this Will or acquired thereafter, to [7. Residuary Beneficiary]. If [7. Residuary Beneficiary] does not survive me, I give my residuary estate to [8. Alternate Beneficiary].
Powers of Executor
In addition to the powers granted under applicable law, my Executor shall have the power to compromise, settle, or contest any claim in favor of or against my estate; to employ attorneys, accountants, and other professionals and pay their reasonable fees from my estate; to continue, sell, or dissolve any business interest owned by me; and to make any tax elections deemed appropriate by my Executor, without liability for any decision made in good faith.
No-Contest Clause
If any beneficiary under this Will contests the validity of this Will or any of its provisions, or institutes any proceeding to challenge this Will, then any share or interest given to that beneficiary under this Will is revoked and shall be distributed as if that beneficiary had predeceased me without surviving descendants, to the extent permitted by applicable law.
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What's Included
6 provisionsThis document is offered for general informational purposes and is not legal advice; estate laws differ by state, so consult a licensed attorney.
How to Use
Structuring the current document
The system builds the will using language that reflects current estate planning norms and state level witnessing requirements.
Tailoring it to your estate
You add your executor, beneficiaries, and guardianship choices, and each bracketed section adjusts to match what you enter.
Downloading a signature ready copy
Once the preview looks right, export the will as a Word or PDF file to sign with witnesses present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a handwritten last will and testament valid in 2026?
Holographic wills are still recognized in roughly half of U.S. states, but they generally must be written entirely in the testator's own hand and signed to be accepted in probate. A number of states reject them outright, so local law should be checked first.
Do I need a lawyer to write a last will and testament?
No, a lawyer is not legally required, and many people rely on structured templates for simpler estates. More complex situations, such as blended families or business assets, still benefit from legal review.
How many witnesses does a will need to be legally binding?
Most states require two witnesses, who are not beneficiaries, to watch the testator sign the document. A handful of states also accept notarization as an added safeguard against future challenges.
What happens if someone dies without a last will and testament?
Without a valid will, state intestacy laws determine how assets are divided, typically prioritizing a spouse and children in a fixed order. Courts also decide guardianship for minor children without any input from the deceased.
