A will is a legal document that allows a person to specify how their assets should be distributed after their death and who should become guardians of any minor children. Without a will, courts will decide these matters according to law. A will should name executors, specify distribution of property, include a residuary clause for any assets not covered, be dated and signed by the testator and witnesses. A will ensures a person's wishes are followed and dependents are provided for after death.

1. Last Will and
Testament
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2. What is a Will?
A will is a legal document that lets
you tell the world who should
receive which of your assets after
your death.
It also allows you to name
guardians for any dependent
children.
Without a will, the courts decide
what happens to your assets and
who is responsible for your kids.
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Why Should You make a Will?
• It is important for you to make a
will because if you do not, and die
without a will, the law decides
what happens to your property.
• A will can ensure that proper
arrangements are made for your
dependents and that your property
is distributed in the way you wish
after you die.

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You do not have to have your will in any set format.
However, it is important that
the will has the following:

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• Your name and address
• A statement that says you disown all earlier
wills, such as "I hereby revoke all former wills and
testamentary instruments made by me and declare this
to be my last will and testament".
• A clause or section of your will that appoints one or
more executors, or people who will carry out your
wishes in your will after you die, and stating these
executors' names and addresses.
Parts of a will…continued

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• A residuary clause, which is a section in your will that sets
out how property not effectively dealt with in the will
should be distributed. This is important because specific
bequests, such as "I leave x.. to Sean Murphy" can fail (be
considered invalid), and then revert to the residue to be
decided by this residuary clause. Your residuary clause
could say that anything not covered in your will would be a
gift or legacy to someone, like "The remainder of my estate
I leave to my daughter, Mary".
Parts of a will…continued

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• Your will should be dated and signed by you and
your witnesses. Usually, these signatures are
underneath a line in the will that states "Signed by
the testator in the presence of us and by us in the
presence of the testator". This statement is called "an
attestation clause". An attestation clause is not a
formal requirement of a valid will, but it is advisable
to include it in your will as it constitutes evidence
that your will has been validly executed.
Parts of a will…continued

8. Resources
• http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/death/before_a_deat
h/making_a_will.html#la82be
• https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/wills
• http://money.cnn.com/retirement/guide/estateplanning_wi
lls.moneymag/
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