- 1). Name your executor. The executor is the person who will manage your estate upon the event of your death; the executor will read your will to your beneficiaries and divide your estate. An executor can be a lawyer or a family member, but it should be someone you trust.
- 2). Name a guardian for your minor children, if you have any. If you should die before your children reach their majority, having a guardian named in the will can prevent lengthy and painful custody suits.
- 3). Write out your wishes for burial and any other last requests you may have. Specify where you would like to be buried or cremated, and, if you choose to be cremated, write down what should be done with your ashes.
- 4). Divide your financial assets and estate as they stand at the time you write the will. You cannot specify beneficiaries of life insurance policies or annuities, but savings and bank accounts can be willed, as can personal belongings.
- 5). Write and sign your will in the presence of two witnesses. Sign the will and have your witnesses sign it also. Keep your will filed either with a lawyer or with any other legal documents.
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