What is a Last Will & Testament?

What it is: A legal document that says who should receive your property, money, and belongings when you pass.

Why it matters: Without a Will, the state decides who gets what — and that doesn’t always match your wishes.

What to include:

• Who gets your home, savings, or personal items

• Who should care for pets or dependents

• Who you choose as executor (the person who handles everything)

How to use it:

• Use a free template or talk to a legal aid service

• Sign in front of witnesses (rules vary by state)

• Keep it in a safe place, and tell someone you trust

  
  

What Is a Will?

A Last Will and Testament (often just called a “Will”) is a legal document that says what you want to happen to your property, belongings, money, and responsibilities after you pass away.

It’s your voice when you’re no longer here — making sure your wishes are followed and your loved ones are taken care of the way you want.

Why You Need a Will (Even If You Don’t Own Much)

A Will isn’t just for wealthy people or folks with lots of assets. It’s for everyone who wants peace of mind and control over what happens next.

Here’s why it matters:

• You choose who gets your things 

• You can leave gifts or instructions to friends, family, or charities 

• You decide who will take care of any dependents or pets 

• You avoid confusion, arguments, or long court delays 

• You name someone (an executor) to carry out your wishes

If you don’t have a Will when you pass away, the state will decide for you — and their decisions might not reflect what you would have wanted.

What Does a Will Include?

Your Will can be simple or detailed, depending on your needs. A basic Will might include:

1. Your Beneficiaries 

These are the people or organizations you want to receive your property. You can leave specific items (“My grandmother’s ring to my daughter”) or general ones (“Everything to my children equally”).

2. Your Executor 

This is the person who will handle your estate — making sure bills are paid, your belongings are distributed, and your wishes are carried out.

3. Guardian for Dependents 

If you care for children, someone with a disability, or even a pet, you can name someone to step in as caregiver.

4. Special Instructions 

This might include funeral or burial wishes, charitable donations, or a letter to your family.

How to Make a Will (Without a Lawyer)

You can create a valid Will without hiring an attorney, especially for simple estates.

Here’s how:

1. Use a trusted Will template or online form (we provide one for Florida)

2. Clearly list your instructions

3. Sign the document in front of two witnesses

4. Keep it in a safe place — and let someone know where it is

   
   

Tip: Some people also use a self-proving affidavit to make probate easier. This is just an extra page signed with a notary.

What Happens After You Pass?

When you die, your Will goes through a legal process called probate. This is how the court confirms your Will is valid and helps your executor carry it out.

Having a clear Will helps make this process smoother, faster, and less expensive for your family.

Common Questions

Can I change my Will? Yes. You can revise or replace it anytime — just make sure to destroy old copies and let your family know.

What if I move to another state? It’s smart to update your Will to match the laws of your new home.

Do I need a Will if I have a Trust? Yes. A “pour-over Will” is still needed to handle anything left out of the Trust.

What if I don’t have a lot to leave? Even small things matter. A Will lets you leave thoughtful gifts, letters, and love — and gives your family guidance when they need it most.

Click here to get your own.

Final Thoughts

A Will is one of the most personal documents you'll ever write. It’s not just about money — it’s about love, care, and clarity. It helps your family grieve with fewer burdens. It says, “I thought ahead. I made a plan. I cared enough to prepare.”

At Aging With Intentions, we’re here to walk you through every step, at your pace, in plain language.

Let’s make it easier — together.

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