What you should include in your will Your basic personal information, legal language stating testamentary intent, your designated executor, your designated guardian for any pet or minor child, a list of your named assets and beneficiaries (with certain exceptions) This goes without saying, but your should include basic information about you to be official. This includes your full name, date of birth and address. If you have any aliases, it would be wise to include them as well. The names of your immediate family should also be included in the documentation.
To prepare a will, start by compiling a list of your assets and debts. Be sure to include the contents of safe deposit boxes, family heirlooms, and other assets that you want to transfer to a particular person or entity. If you already have a will, remember to update it when your beneficiaries change, such as when your child turns 18, divorces, or remarries. If there isn't enough money in your estate, the beneficiary of your retirement accounts can choose to pay for your funeral with money from your individual retirement account (IRA), Roth IRA, or 401 (k).
You can own stocks, bonds, or mutual funds outside the protection of a 401 (k), IRA, or other retirement account. These can be assigned individually or grouped and divided among their beneficiaries. This includes your name, address, and the date you signed the will. Your will must also indicate that it is your last will and that it supersedes any will you have made before.
