How do I write a Will?
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How do I write a Will?
I am in my mid-twenties and my greatest possessions are my car still making
payments and my bank account funds. I want to make sure that my bank account
funds go to my designated family member. They don’t have a bank account.
Asked on August 1, 2018 under Estate Planning, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
The best way to create a will is to hire a lawyer to do it: not only will the attorney know how to draft or write the will, but he or she can make sure it is properly executed and witnessed--a will which is not properly executed and witnessed is not effective.
If you are determined to do this yourself, you will have to look up and confirm your state's rules about wills, their signing (execution) and witnessing, and also when they should be notarized, too (which is typically not a requirement, but which does streamline probating the will, since the notarization validates the testator's [person making the will] and witness's signatures). You can find sample or template wills online that will streamline drafting the document, but again, you have to confirm that you comply fully with our state's requirements.
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