How to Write a Will Without a Lawyer

This guide is best for you if:– You rent or own only one home– Your assets are relatively simple– You know who you want to inherit your property– You don’t need complex tax planning or trusts– You want a clear, straightforward document 

You should strongly consider talking to a lawyer if:– You own multiple properties or a business– You have a blended family or expect disputes– You have a large or complex estate or international assets– You need trust or tax planning beyond a basic will 

Can you write a will without a lawyer?

For many people with straightforward finances, the answer is yes.

National organizations like the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), and the American Bar Association (ABA) note that a self‑written will can be legally valid if it is clearly written and properly signed and witnessed according to state law.

You don’t need legal jargon to make a will. Clear language plus correct execution is what matters most.

This guide walks you through how to do it simply and confidently, without overthinking.

1. Start with a Simple Title and Statement

A will does not need fancy legal language.

Include:

• A title: “Last Will and Testament of [Your Full Name]”
• Your full name and address
• A statement revoking previous wills

Example:

“This is the Last Will and Testament of me, Jordan Lee, of Los Angeles, California. I revoke all prior wills.”

The court is not judging your writing style. It is looking for a document that clearly shows your intent and was executed correctly.

2. List Your Assets Clearly

Before writing, organizations like AARP and NCOA recommend creating a simple inventory.

Include:

• Bank accounts
• Investments
• Retirement accounts
• Vehicles
• Personal belongings and sentimental items
• Digital accounts
• Real estate (if applicable)

You do not need:

• Account numbers
• Exact balances
• Long descriptions

What matters is that your executor can tell which asset you mean.

3. Name Your Beneficiaries

Be specific and use full legal names.

You can:

• Leave everything to one person
• Divide your estate by percentages
• Leave particular items to specific people

Example lines:

• “I leave my entire estate to my spouse, Taylor Lee.”
• “My necklace goes to my daughter, Ava Lee.”

When possible, name alternate beneficiaries in case someone dies before you.

• “If my spouse does not survive me, I leave my entire estate to my children, in equal shares.”

4. Choose Your Executor

Your executor is the person who carries out your instructions.

They typically:

• Handle paperwork and court filings
• Pay final bills and expenses
• Distribute assets to beneficiaries
• Close accounts

Choose someone who is:

• Organized
• Calm under pressure
• Trustworthy
• Willing to take on administrative work

Example clause:

“I appoint my sister, Maya Lee, as the executor of my estate. If she is unable or unwilling to serve, I appoint my friend, Daniel Kim, as alternate executor.”

Your executor does not need legal training. They can get professional help if needed.

5. Add Guardianship (If You Have Children or Pets)

If you have minor children or pets, name:

• A primary guardian
• A backup guardian
• Any brief guidance you want to share

Example:

“I name my sister, Emily Reyes, as guardian of my minor children. If she is unable or unwilling to serve, I name my cousin, Alex Chen, as alternate guardian.”

There is no perfect answer here. The “right” guardian is the person you trust most for that role.

6. Write Clear Bequests

Bequests are specific gifts you leave to specific people.

Common bequests include:

• Jewelry and heirlooms
• Sentimental items
• A specific sum of money
• A car
• A book or art collection

Many estate attorneys note that family disputes often arise over sentimental items more than money. Clear bequests can prevent conflict.

Example:

“I give my grandfather’s watch to my son, Michael.”

7. Add a Residuary Clause

A residuary clause catches everything you forgot to list specifically.

Example:

“I give the remainder of my estate to my spouse, Taylor Lee.”

This is often called the “safety net” for your will.

8. Sign Your Will Correctly

According to guidance from the ABA, most problems with DIY wills come from signing errors, not the content itself.

Many states require:

• Your signature
• Two adult witnesses
• Witnesses who are not beneficiaries
• Everyone signing at the same time, with witnesses understanding they are witnessing your will

Notarization:

• Not required in most states for the will to be valid
• Some states allow or encourage a notarized self‑proving affidavit to make probate easier
• Check your state’s rules or official forms for details

If you are unsure, it can be worth asking a lawyer or local legal aid clinic to review your signing plan.

9. Store Your Will Safely

A will only works if it can be found.

Good storage options:

• A printed copy in a safe but accessible place at home
• A secure folder or cabinet your executor can access
• A digital backup (alongside the original)

Avoid:

• A bank safe‑deposit box that no one can access without a court order
• Only storing it digitally without clear instructions on how to find it

10. Tell Someone Where It Is

Let your executor or a trusted family member know:

• That you have a will
• Where it is stored
• How to access it
• If there is a digital copy or backup

This is one of the most overlooked steps, but it is crucial. Even a well‑written will is useless if no one can locate it.

When You Should See a Lawyer

Even though many people can create a will themselves, consider legal help if:

• You own multiple properties or a business
• You have a blended family or expect conflict
• You have a large or complex estate
• You want to create trusts or advanced tax planning
• You have international assets or citizenship issues

These situations often involve documents beyond a basic will and may benefit from personalized legal advice.

Create Your Will with HeirLight

HeirLight guides you through these same decisions in plain English so you don’t have to start from a blank page.

• Step‑by‑step questions about your assets, beneficiaries, executor, and guardians
• Integrated coverage for your will, healthcare directive, and power of attorney
• Designed for first‑time planners and people with simple estates

You start for $0, answer guided questions, and then print and sign your documents according to your state’s rules.

Important: HeirLight is not a law firm and does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. Our tools are educational and self‑help in nature. For complex situations or legal advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a licensed attorney.

If you’ve been putting this off because lawyers feel intimidating or expensive, writing your own will with a clear guide and the right tool can be a practical first step.