February 19, 2012. Samuel Valero
A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that details how a person (testator) wishes his or her estate to be managed after death and provides details of how the estate is to be transferred to the heirs. The Last Will and Testament is an essential document that must be written in a way that makes certain that the testators wishes are followed exactly upon death.
For people with vast business holdings and savings it is vital to appoint a trustworthy executor to dispense of the estate according to the deceased’s wishes. When there are minor children the will must state how they are to be provided for. The Last Will and Testament is an indispensable document for anyone wanting their loved ones to be taken care of upon their death.
Last Will and Testament forms can be typed or written and should include the date, the name of the testator, burial information, payments of any debts incurred, any inheritance to beneficiaries, charitable gifts to be made, and an itemized description of the deceased’s belongings. In addition to the inclusion of these important details the Last Will and Testament must be signed by the testator and witnesses to certify the legitimacy of the document. In case of any earlier wills the testator must declare that the latest will renders any previous wills invalid. The testator must declare that the Last Will and Testament is written voluntarily by a mentally competent person without duress. The document must also describe how any remaining debts shall be paid for.
Everyone should have a Last Will and Testament and it should be kept updated in case anything unexpected does happen. This legal precaution by the testator avoids many unnecessary complications that can arise upon his or her death and makes sure that the estate is left in good order and any minor children are well taken care of.
Learn more about wills and testaments examples at the author’s website.
Updated February 19, 2012. Published July 29, 2011. Samuel Valero
