When to Write a Will and What to Put in It

Writing a will is an important part of estate planning. It allows you to ensure your assets are distributed in the way you want and that your wishes are honored after you pass away.

This can be especially important for retirees, who have likely built up a good amount of money and other assets over their working years.

If you’re wondering when to write a will and what to put in it, read on for some helpful information.

When Should I Write a Will?

Ideally, everyone should write a will as soon as they become financially independent or start accumulating serious wealth. That said, it’s never too late to create one. 

Even if you’re nearing the end of life, writing a will can help ensure that your wishes are carried out after you are gone.

Is It Ever Too Late to Write a Will?

Actually, there is still time to write a will. If you're older or in poor health, creating a will can give you peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be fulfilled after you've gone. 

It can also help prevent loved ones from going through the probate court process when distributing assets and belongings. Furthermore, a will can provide clarity for those you care about on how to handle your estate and other matters. 

Writing a will also helps ensure that any debts or taxes are paid properly, according to the law. Taking the time to create a will is important in ensuring that your wishes are honored after you pass away.

What Should I Put In My Will?

Your will should include comprehensive instructions about how you would like your possessions distributed after death. This includes both monetary and non-monetary items such as jewelry, heirlooms, cars, real estate, and more. You should also name someone (or multiple people) to serve as executor of your estate once the time comes.

This person (or persons) will handle all the paperwork associated with settling your estate according to the instructions in your will. Additionally, if applicable, you should detail who should take custody of any minor children listed in the document. 

You may also use your will to specify how those children should receive their inheritance so they don’t receive it all at once but over an extended period or upon reaching certain milestones or ages (such as 18 or 21).

Finally, if desired, you may choose to make charitable donations from any remaining funds once all other provisions have been followed through with.

What Should I Not Put in My Will?

Keep in mind that a will is not the place to put certain sensitive information. While it is important to include specific instructions and designations in your will, there are also some things you should never include. These items can be legally binding but may not be in the best interest of those involved.

For example, it’s generally unwise to include personal grievances or hurtful words directed at anyone mentioned in the document. You should also avoid including any provisions that could potentially conflict with state law as they may be ruled invalid by a court of law. 

Additionally, while naming executors and beneficiaries can provide clarity for loved ones on how assets should be handled after death, wills are not the appropriate place to dictate who receives what assets from an estate. 

Such decisions must ultimately fall upon those named as executors or trustees of an estate according to state laws and regulations governing estates.

Who Should I Contact to Write My Will?

There are numerous professionals you can contact to help you write wills. Depending on your needs, you may want to consult a lawyer or financial advisor who specializes in estate planning and wills. 

Alternatively, many online services can help guide you through the process of creating a basic will quickly and affordably. 

No matter your choice, it’s important to ensure the person or service you work with is reputable and reliable. It’s also a good idea to have at least one trusted individual review your will before finalizing it. 

Doing so can help ensure that all the points of your will are correct and legally binding.

Is There Anything Else I Should Know?

It’s important to note that you should keep your will up to date over the years, as major life events may require changes or additions. For example, if you get married, divorced, have children, buy a new home or other property, or make any other major change in your life, you should update your will accordingly. 

Additionally, you should keep multiple copies of your will in a safe place so it can be accessed by your loved ones when the time comes. It’s also recommended that you review your will periodically to ensure it reflects your wishes accurately and is up-to-date with any changes in the law. 

As long as you keep these points in mind, you should be well on making sure that your estate is distributed according to your wishes.

Writing a valid last will and testament is an important part of estate planning for retirees who have accumulated significant wealth over their lifetime that they would like dispersed according to their wishes after their passing away. 

Although there is no set timeline for when one must write a will—it’s never too late!—the sooner it is done, the better off everyone involved may be in the long run.

With these points in mind, retirees can rest assured knowing they are doing everything they can to make sure their assets are handled according to their desires once they pass away by writing a valid last will and testament early on. While still able to do so themselves with clear thought processes intact, they can leave behind peace of mind and worldly possessions when they pass on.

4 Ways the Elderly Can Plan Their Estate and Write a Will

No matter your age or your health, it is a good idea to plan what will happen to your assets when you pass away. Doing so will make things easier on your family in the event of your death. Here are four ways the elderly can plan their estate and write a will.

Start Early

When it comes to your will and estate planning, it never hurts to start early, but it can be a problem if you start too late. You do not want to leave this world and leave behind no guidance for your family and other beneficiaries regarding what you wanted. 

Start thinking about your estate planning early. You can always alter your will later if you change your mind.

Consider Everyone’s Wishes

When planning what will happen to your estate upon your death, you need to consider who will get your assets and how they will be distributed. This also includes charities as well as certain items you want to go to specific people. 



You should not discount your own wishes, of course. If you want to be cremated, for example, you should make that clear. You should also plan to leave enough to cover funeral costs and a headstone and burial plot if you wish to be buried.

Meet with an Estate Planning Attorney

An estate planning attorney is your best option for crafting a will. Although you can draft your will yourself and it will still hold legal weight, a professional estate planning attorney can ensure your will conveys the exact meaning you intend in addition to holding up in court. 

They will inform you of all relevant inheritance laws and take your desires into account so your wishes will be carried out.

Consider a Living Will and Power of Attorney

A living will takes effect while you are still alive. It outlines what care you do or do not want to receive at the end of life. Power of attorney designates someone close to you whom you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf in the event you are incapacitated. 

In some states, the living will and power of attorney are combined into the same document. You should also consider a living trust, which ensures your beneficiaries won’t have to go through probate court to claim what you left them.

Planning your estate and writing your will are not what you likely want to think about. However, it’s very important so you get the end of life care you desire and your beneficiaries get exactly what you want to give them. You can rest in peace knowing your affairs are in order.