Last Will and Testament Template
All states | 3 types
What Is a Last Will and Testament?
A will is a legal document that lets you decide:
Who should get your belongings (like money, property, or personal items);
Who should care for your children or pets;
Who will make sure your wishes are followed (called an “executor”).
You don’t need to include everything — just what matters to you.
Do I Have To Give Away All My Property in the Will?
No. You can list only the items or money you want to give. Anything not included in your will may be handled by the court based on your state’s laws, so it’s a good idea to include anything important.
Can I Leave Instructions for My Pets?
You can name a person to care for your pets and even set aside money for their food, vet care, and other needs. That way, you know they’ll be in good hands.
Can I Leave All My Money To Charity?
Yes, you can. If you want to support a cause you care about, just write the full name of the charity in your will and how much you want to give. You can give part or all of your money — it’s completely up to you.
What Should Be Included in a Will?
If you have a small estate, download this standard will template to create a legally enforceable document. For larger estates, consider hiring legal counsel to evaluate your last will and testament and advise you on any potential legal repercussions. You must mention each of the following in your will:
Personal Information
A statement confirming the testator's mental and legal capacity should be included in the personal information section. Ensure the statement nullifies any previous wills you may have written and was prepared free from any unfair influence.Appointment of an Executor
All components of your last will and testament must be carried out under the direction of the executor. When leaving the assets to your beneficiaries, grant the executor the authority to make any required adjustments, such as paying off debts and for funerals. It may be beneficial to name a trustworthy professional attorney as executor rather than a beneficiary.Assets, Bequests, and Requests
This section includes a person's obligations in addition to their property and assets. After paying any debts and final expenses, your beneficiaries will split your assets as you have directed. Some wills provide that for beneficiaries to be eligible to inherit, they must first outlive (or, in the case of a firm, continue to exist) the testator for a predetermined number of days.Please specify any particular instructions you may have in this section, such as how you would like the executor to handle your funeral or remains.
Designated Guardians
If you die as the only parent, you can assign legal guardians for your minor children in this section of your final will and testament. Only include this section If you have dependents, such as young children, for which you are legally responsible.Signed Witnesses
Examine the rules and regulations of your state, and add a section for your signature as well as the signatures of two witnesses. Most states except Pennsylvania want at least two signatures from reliable witnesses. Consult the list of laws for each state further down this page before signing your last will and testament, as it will become legally binding.
Do I Need To Notarize My Will?
In most states, you don’t have to notarize your will for it to be valid. But it does need to be signed in front of two witnesses. Notarizing it can help the court process go faster, especially if you add a “self-proving affidavit” (our template can include that too).
State Law
For your last will and testament to be considered legally valid, it must be signed and created as per state law. If you have moved to another state, you must check that your will conforms to the laws of your new jurisdiction – otherwise, it will not be honored. Here is an overview of the key differences found in state law:
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Ala. Code Title 43, Chapter 8, Article 7
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Alaska Stat. Title 13, Chapter 12, Article 5
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. Title 14 § 14-2501
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Ark. Code Title 28, Subtitle 3, Chapter 25 § 28-25-101
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Cal. Prob. Code, Division 6, Part 1, Chapter 1 § 6100
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Colo. Code Title 15, Part 5 § 15-11-501
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. Title 45a, Chapter 802a § 45a-250
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Del. Code Title 12, Chapter 2, Subchapter 1 § 201
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Fla. Stat. Ann. Title XLII, Chapter 732 § 732.501
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 14 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Ga. Code Ann. Title 53, Chapter 4, Article 2 § 53-4-10
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Haw. Rev. Stat. Title 30 A, 560 § 560-2-501
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Idaho Code Title 15, Chapter 2, Part 5 § 15-2-501
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Ill. Comp. Stat. Chapter 755; Probate Act of 1975 Article IV.
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required;
- Testators may be of younger age if they're a member of the armed forces.
State Law: Ind. Code Ann. Title 29, Chapter 5 § 29-1-5-1
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Iowa Code, Title XV, Chapter 633 § 633.264
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years possessing the rights of majority; or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Kan. Stat. Ann. Chapter 59, Article 6 § 59-601
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required;
- Minor parents that need to appoint a guardian can be a testator of younger age.
State Law: Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. Chapter 394 § 394-020
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- The age of testators is not specified; however, Article 1577 of the Louisiana Civil Code stipulated certain requirements for the form of testament.
State Law: La. Civ. Code Ann. art. 1577
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years and of sound mind as well as legally emancipated minors of sound mind are required.
State Law: Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. Tit. 18-C; Probate Code, Article 2, Part 5 § 2-501
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind and legally competent to make a will are required.
State Law: Md. Stat. Ann. Title 4, Subtitle 1 § 4-101
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Mass. Gen. Laws Title II, Part II, Chapter 191b
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older are required. They should also have sufficient mental capacity, satisfying certain requirements specified in § 700.2501 of Michigan Compiled Laws.
State Law: Mich. Comp. Laws Chapter 700, 1998 Statute Act 386, Article II § 700-2501
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Minn. Stat. Ann. Chapter 524 § 524.2-501
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Miss. Code Ann. Title 91, Chapter 5 § 91-5-1
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required;
- Any minor emancipated by adjudication, marriage, or entry into active military duty may be recognized as testators.
State Law: Mo. Rev. Stat. Title XXXI, Chapter 474 §§ 474-310
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Mont. Code Ann. Title 72, Chapter 3, Part 5 § 72-2-521
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Neb. Rev. Stat. Chapter 30 § 3-2326
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Nev. Rev. Stat. Chapter 133 § 133.020
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required;
- Married persons under 18 of sound mind may be also recognized as testators.
State Law: N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. Title LVI § 551:1
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: N.J. Stat. Ann. Title 3B § 3B:3-1
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years and of sound mind as well as legally emancipated minors of sound mind are required.
State Law: N.M. Stat. Ann. Chapter 45 Article 2 § 45-2-501
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized, except for a member of the armed forces, a person who serves an armed force during war or armed conflict, or a mariner while at sea;
- Testators of 18 years and of sound mind and memory are required.
State Law: NY EPT Chapter 17-B, Article 3, Part 1 § 3-1-1
- Specific requirements apply to holographic wills;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 31 § 31-1
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: N.D. Cent. Code Title 30.1, Chapter 30.1-08
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older, of sound mind, and NOT under restraint are required.
State Law: Ohio Rev. Code Ann. Title 21, Chapter 2107 § 2107.02
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Okla. Stat. Ann. Title 84, § 84-41
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required;
- Testators of younger age if lawfully married or emancipated may be recognized as testators.
State Law: Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. Volume 03, Chapter 112 § 112.225
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Pa. Cons. & Uncons. Stat. Ann., Title 20, Chapter 25 § 2501
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: R.I. Gen. Laws Title 33, Chapter 33-5, § 33-5-2
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Any individual of sound mind and NOT a minor is required to be a testator.
State Law: S.C. Code Ann. Title 62, Article 2, § 62-2-501
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: S.D. Codified Laws Title 29A, Chapter 02 § 29A-2-501
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Tenn. Code Ann. Title 32, Chapter 1, Part 1 § 32-1-102
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older, married or a member of the US armed forces, and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Tex. Stat. Ann., Estates Code, Title 2, Subtitle F, Chapter 251 § 251.001
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Utah Code Ann. Title 75, Chapter 2 Part 5 § 501
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older, emancipated by court, and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Vt. Stat. Ann. Title 14, Chapter 1 § 5
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and emancipated minors of sound mind are required.
State Law: Va. Code Ann. Title 64-2, Chapter 4 § 64-2-401
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Wash. Rev. Code Ann. Title 11 Chapter 11-12 § 11-12-010
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and emancipated minors of sound mind are required.
State Law: WV Code Ann. Chapter 41, Article 1 § 41-1-1
- Holographic wills are NOT recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and of sound mind are required.
State Law: Wis. Stat. Ann. Chapter 853 § 853-01
- Holographic wills are recognized;
- Testators of 18 years or older and emancipated minors of sound mind are required.
State Law: Wyo. Stat. Ann. Title 2 Chapter 6 Article 1 § 2-6-101
