Let's start with the basics. Who is this Will for?
Layman's Terms: If you own property or bank accounts under a different name (like a maiden name, a former married name, or a spelling variation like "Jon" vs. "Jonathan"), listing them here helps your Executor prove that "Jon Smith" and "Jonathan Smith" are the same person, allowing them to access those assets.
Starting Fresh

To avoid confusion, it is standard legal practice to explicitly cancel any previous Wills you may have written.

Who will be your voice?

Choose someone organized and trustworthy to carry out your wishes.

1 Primary Executor

2 Alternate Executor (Backup)

Layman's Terms: A standard Will already gives your Executor the legal power to pay bills, sell house/cars, and distribute money. You usually only need to list "Specific Powers" if you have complicated assets—like a business you want them to keep running, or a cottage you don't want sold. If your estate is straightforward, you can likely leave this blank.
Caring for your little ones
Cleaning the slate

Your debts (credit cards, loans, taxes) must be paid from your estate's value before anyone inherits money. This clause gives your Executor the legal authority to do that.

Special Gifts

Do you have specific items (like jewelry, a car) or specific cash amounts you want to leave to specific people?

The Residue

This is everything else you own after debts and specific gifts are paid. It's usually the bulk of the estate.

Layman's Terms: This decides where the money goes if one of your main beneficiaries dies before you do.
  • Per Stirpes (Down the line): Their share goes to their children. (e.g., If your son dies, his share goes to your grandkids).
  • Re-divide (To the survivors): Their share is canceled and split among the other people you named in this list.
  • Specific Alternate: You pick a specific backup person (e.g., "If my wife dies, give it to my brother").
Final Wishes

Welcome

This guided tool will help you create a comprehensive outline for your Will. We'll take it one step at a time. Takes about 5 minutes.