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Do you want to talk to a lawyer about your estate planning needs?

You may have a unique situation or have specific questions about what is right for you and your family. In these cases, it may be best to talk to an attorney.
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Do you have children from a previous relationship or a child with special needs?

There are special considerations to make if you have a blended family or a child with special needs. In these cases, it may be best to talk to an attorney.
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Our directory of experienced, local attorneys can help you with circumstances such as:
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Do you have a large estate or an interest in more advanced estate planning tools like trusts?

If your estate equals or exceeds a value of $1 million, or needs special estate planning tools like trusts, it may be best to talk with an attorney.
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Our directory of experienced, local attorneys can help you with circumstances such as:
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Are you looking to have your estate planning basics covered?

Our Estate Planning Package includes a Last Will & Testament, Health Care Directive & Living Will, and Financial Power of Attorney to cover all of your basic estate planning needs.
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Do you have a spouse with similar needs?

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Do you have minor children?

If you have minor children, you will want to name a guardian for them.
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Do you have pets?

If you have a pet or pets, you will want to name someone to care for them.
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Do you want to leave gifts to people or a charity?

If you want to give items or money to people or charities, you will want to make what are known as “specific gifts.”
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Do you own a business?

If you own a business or a share of a business, you will want to plan for succession of ownership.
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Do you want to decide how your property is distributed when you pass away?

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Do you want someone to handle your health care decisions if you are unable?

In case you are incapacitated, you will want to list your health care preferences and name someone to handle your health care decisions.
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Do you want someone to handle your health care decisions if you are unable?

In case you are incapacitated, you will want to list your health care preferences and name someone to handle your health care decisions.
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Do you have a spouse with similar needs?

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Do you have a spouse with similar needs?

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Our directory of experienced, local attorneys can help you with circumstances such as:
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  • Caring for children with special needs
  • Establishing and maintaining trusts
  • …and any other concerns you have!
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Estate Planning Package

For One person

$135
What’s included:
  • Last will and testament
  • Living will
  • Power of attorney
  • Free HIPAA release form
  • A comprehensive plan — for less
  • Free changes and revisions for up to one year after purchase
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Power of Attorney

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$39
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  • Attorney-approved document compliant with your state’s laws
  • Free changes and revisions to your will for up to one full year after purchase
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Living Will

For One Person

$39
What’s included:
  • Step-by-step guided process
  • A living will tailored to your needs
  • Attorney-approved document compliant with your state’s laws
  • Free HIPAA release form
  • Free changes and revisions to your document for up to a full year after purchase
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Last Will and Testament

For One Person

$79
What’s included:
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  • A last will and testament that’s customized to your wishes
  • Free changes and revisions to your will for up to one full year after purchase
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Estate Planning Package

For two people

$255
What’s included:
  • Two wills, living wills, and powers of attorney
  • Two free HIPAA release forms
  • You and your loved one create your own estate plans tailored to your individual needs
  • Attorney-approved documents customized to your state’s laws
  • Free changes and revisions for up to one year after purchase
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Power of Attorney

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$78
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Living Will

For Two People

$78
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  • Step-by-step guided process
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  • Free HIPAA release form
  • Free changes and revisions to your document for up to a full year after purchase
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Last Will and Testament

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$149
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  • A last will and testament that’s customized to your wishes
  • Free changes and revisions to your will for up to one full year after purchase
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Living Will + Power of Attorney

For one person

$78
What’s included:
  • Step-by-step guided process
  • A living will tailored to your needs
  • Attorney-approved document compliant with your state’s laws
  • Free HIPAA release form
  • Free changes and revisions to your document for up to a full year after purchase
  • A power of attorney that’s tailored to your needs
  • Free changes and revisions to your will for up to one full year after purchase
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Last Will and Testament + Power of Attorney

For one person

$118
What’s included:
  • Step-by-step guided process
  • Attorney-approved document compliant with your state’s laws
  • A last will and testament that’s customized to your wishes
  • Free changes and revisions to your will for up to one full year after purchase
  • A power of attorney that’s tailored to your needs
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Last Will and Testament + Living Will

For One Person

$118
What’s included:
  • Step-by-step guided process
  • Attorney-approved document compliant with your state’s laws
  • A last will and testament that’s customized to your wishes
  • Free changes and revisions to your will for up to one full year after purchase
  • A living will tailored to your needs
  • Free HIPAA release form
  • Free changes and revisions to your document for up to a full year after purchase
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Living Will + Power of Attorney

For two people

$156
What’s included:
  • Step-by-step guided process
  • A living will tailored to your needs
  • Attorney-approved document compliant with your state’s laws
  • Free HIPAA release form
  • Free changes and revisions to your document for up to a full year after purchase
  • A power of attorney that’s tailored to your needs
  • Free changes and revisions to your will for up to one full year after purchase
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Last Will and Testament + Power of Attorney

For two people

$227
What’s included:
  • Step-by-step guided process
  • Attorney-approved document compliant with your state’s laws
  • A last will and testament that’s customized to your wishes
  • Free changes and revisions to your will for up to one full year after purchase
  • A power of attorney that’s tailored to your needs
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All done! Based on your answers, we recommend:

Last Will and Testament + Living Will

For Two People

$227
What’s included:
  • Step-by-step guided process
  • Attorney-approved document compliant with your state’s laws
  • A last will and testament that’s customized to your wishes
  • Free changes and revisions to your will for up to one full year after purchase
  • A living will tailored to your needs
  • Free HIPAA release form
  • Free changes and revisions to your document for up to a full year after purchase

What Is a Valid Will?

The making of a will is a vitally important act, with far-reaching consequences. Since you cannot “take it with you” when you die, having a valid will is one of the few ways you can give back to those you love in a proper, legal manner.

Table of Contents

What a Will Does

A properly executed will allows you to specify exactly how you would like your estate handled upon your death, including how and to whom property should be divided, who should watch over your minor children (if any), and who should manage the administration of your estate.

While the rules for making a will vary from state to state, certain formalities must be met. Generally, a will is not valid unless it fulfills the following requirements.

Legal Age

A person must be of legal age to make a will. Most states consider you to have legal capacity if you are 18 years of age or older, have been lawfully married, or are a member of the U.S. military.

Testamentary Capacity

In most states, a person has ‘testamentary capacity” if they have a sound mind, meaning the testator must know that he or she is making a will and its effect; understand the nature and extent of the estate; and understand that he or she is disposing of property and assets.

Intent

A person has intent to make a will if at the time of the signing, he or she intends to make a revocable disposition of property in the event of their death.

Voluntary

A will must be voluntarily entered into and signed by the testator. A will executed by a person who was coerced into signing the will, or who signed the will under duress, is not considered to be a valid will.

Proper Disposal of Property

A will must properly dispose of the testator’s property. This includes listing all property and assets and properly distributing them among friends and family according to the testator’s wishes.

Signed, Dated and Witnessed by Two Other Parties

A will can be handwritten on a single piece of paper or elaborately typed within multiple pages, depending on the size of the estate and preference of the testator. It must also be signed and dated by the testator in front of two “disinterested” witnesses, who must also sign. Disinterested witnesses include those who will not personally benefit under the will (like beneficiaries).

Because there may be other formalities for making a valid will, it is important that you check the Estate Planning Laws of your particular state. You should also make sure to choose the appropriate legal guardian for your minor children and appoint a trusted executor to tie up your important affairs. You can use one of our state-specific last will and testament forms to help you get started.

Finally, it may be wise to speak with an estate planning attorney in your area to make sure your will is valid.

See also:

Is Your Will Valid? Don’t Guess, Call an Attorney for Help

What’s next after reading this article? You have several options, but the wisest choice is to consult with an estate planning attorney in your area to get your questions answered. Having a valid and legally binding will is important to you and your loved ones. Want to learn more? Start now by finding a local estate planning attorney.

Estate planning solutions to fit your needs.

Written by:

FindLaw Staff

Contributing Author

Ally_Marshall_image

Reviewed by:

Ally Marshall, Esq.

Managing Editor