What You Need to Include in Your Will

Having a will is something many people put off because they think the process is complicated and unimportant. However, having a legally binding choice is essential.

It doesn't just protect your assets and property and ensures that your loved ones are taken care of after you've passed away. A will proves who you want as the executor of your estate and who you want to receive your property once you are gone. 

There are several things to include in a will, but the most important ones are listed below.

Name and Address of Your Executor

The executor of your estate is the person who is responsible for taking care of your property and assets after you have passed away. 

Their responsibility is to handle all the legalities and paperwork involved in this process. The executor will also be in charge of distributing your property as per the terms listed in your will.

Property to Be Distributed

The most important part of a will is where you list down what you want to distribute after you have passed away. This includes your house, bank accounts, money, jewelry, stocks, bonds, etc. 

You can also list other non-monetary assets such as paintings or furniture that are important to you. You should keep items that have sentimental value out of this list because they may not be able to gain monetary value, but they still hold great importance in the lives of those close to you.

Guardians for Any Minor Children

If any minor children depend on you, you should name a guardian to look after them until they reach adulthood. You can also include a secondary guardian if the first one cannot care for matters when needed. 

If no minors are involved, it's best not to have this clause as it may confuse you later on if there's a dispute over guardianship rights after your death and people start claiming they were named guardians in your will.

Personal Information

The first thing you need to include in your will is your personal information. The document should consist of the deceased's name, the date and the place of birth, and their social security number or passport number. 

This information is needed for identification and to help determine future taxes or estate liabilities. You also need to include where you want your body to be buried or cremated and who will be in charge of planning it if you want a funeral service. 

Talk to a will attorney to make sure you include enough personal information in your will.

Knowing your options when it comes to planning your will is essential. It's a good idea to consult a lawyer if you have any questions about the process or how to go about it. They can also advise you on protecting your assets and ensuring that everything runs smoothly after your death.