Use this checklist to gather your thoughts, get organized, and make sure your will truly reflects your wishes.
🧠 1. Personal Details
☐ Full legal name
☐ Date of birth
☐ Current address
☐ Marital status
☐ Names and birthdates of children or dependents
👤 2. Choose Your Executor
☐ Primary executor — someone you trust to carry out your will
☐ Backup executor — in case your first choice is unavailable
☐ Communicate with them about your intentions
🎁 3. List Your Assets & Beneficiaries
☐ Real estate (home, rental property, land)
☐ Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs)
☐ Investment accounts (brokerage, stocks, crypto)
☐ Vehicles (cars, motorcycles, boats)
☐ Personal items (jewelry, collectibles, heirlooms)
☐ Business ownership or intellectual property
☐ Decide who receives each item — be specific when needed
👶 4. Name Guardians for Minor Children
☐ Choose a primary guardian
☐ Choose an alternate guardian
☐ Confirm they’re willing to take on the role
☐ Consider leaving a letter explaining your choice
💌 5. Residual Estate Instructions
☐ Decide who gets the remainder of your estate after specific gifts
☐ You can leave it to one person or divide it among several people
✍️ 6. Sign and Witness the Will
☐ Find two adult witnesses (who are not named in the will)
☐ Sign the will in front of the witnesses
☐ Have the witnesses sign and date it
☐ Optional but recommended: add a notarized self-proving affidavit to simplify probate
🔐 7. Store and Share the Will
☐ Keep the original in a safe, fireproof place
☐ Provide copies or access instructions to your executor and trusted family members
☐ Let someone know where it’s stored (don’t keep it a secret!)
🔁 8. Review and Update Periodically
☐ Update your will after major life events:
– Marriage or divorce
– Birth or adoption of a child
– Death of a beneficiary or executor
– Major changes in assets
☐ Review it at least every 2–3 years, even if nothing changes