Writing Your Will Worksheet Template

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Questions and Answers About:
Holographic Wills
A guideline for writing your will
It is not very expensive to have an attorney draft a will for you. Even though you can write your
own will, there are many special considerations you may not be aware of that a lawyer will
readily identify for you. Failure to deal with these items appropriately can thwart your intent
and can result in unexpected expenses. The decision to draft your own will should be made
hesitantly and only after careful consideration.
Idaho law recognizes handwritten wills, referred to as holographic wills. Material provisions
of the will and the signature must be in the handwriting of the person making the will. Although
it is not necessary to have the will dated, witnessed, or notarized, it is a good idea to date your
will to avoid confusion if you should have more than one will. So, if for some reason you
cannot handwrite your own will, you will have to seek the assistance of an attorney. Also, if
you think your will might be contested or if you have doubts about certain provisions, or if your
estate is large enough to possibly benefit from tax planning, see an attorney.
If you choose to write your own will, you can use the following clauses and provisions, modify-
ing them to suit your particular needs. Remember, the will must be in your handwriting, and
must be signed by you.
1.
I,
(name)
, of
(name of county)
County, Idaho, being of
sound mind and under no undue influence, make my last will and testament, revoking all
previous wills and codicils.
2.
I direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon after my death as
possible, and that all expenses of administering my estate taxes be paid out of my residuary
estate.
3.
I appoint
(name)
as my personal representative, to serve without bond. If
he/she is unable to serve, I appoint
(name)
as my personal representative, also to
serve without bond.
4.
I give my personal and household effects as follows:
LIST
(Item of personal
(Person to receive
property)
property)
For example:
Tools
John Smith

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