How to Write a Last Will and Testament in Illinois

“When an older man or woman passes away, usually he or she has a last will and testament, usually or just a “will.” All people above the age of 18, though, should have a will that can be updated when necessary. It is important for everyone to know how to write a will and what to put write in it.

Even if a person does not have many belongings or money, a will can state what is to be done with a person’s property and how that person wishes to be taken care of.

Depending on the amount of assets, money, and other belongings that a person wants to list in the will, writing one could be as simple as compiling that list, then writing what to do with each item. Without a will, your property may not be given to the correct people. You can even write in your will that you want a certain amount of your money to be donated to a certain charity, which will not happen without a will.

Although writing a will may not be a complicated process, the rules and regulations of each state may complicate the process. Depending on if you are married, have kids, or have parents that are still alive, the order of passing along the property may differ. The language in the will in crucial.

General rules for writing a will include:

You must be at least 18 years old in most states, otherwise your property will automatically go to your parents.

You must be mentally sound.

You do not have to have your will notarized, but it must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who must also sign the will.

Your will must clearly state what it is.

You must choose an executor and state who it is in the will. The executor will be in charge of distributing your property when the time comes.

To understand the regulations for writing a will in your state, contact the Gierach Law Firm. If you wish to write a will for yourself, let experienced Naperville estate planning attorneys assist you today.