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Will Planning Wizard

Important Information

  1. If you cannot answer some questions, simply leave the space blank.
  2. When done, the Wizard will generate a Microsoft Word document with your information organized. Save it to your computer (File > Save As, and choose Desktop).
  3. The Will Planning Wizard consists of 20 pages. For your convenience, the Wizard can be downloaded in PDF format and printed so you can fill it out by hand.

Sixty percent of Americans die without a valid will. That usually means state laws take over and distribute their probate estates according to generic formulas that have nothing to do with the decedents' wishes.

Don't let that happen to you.

This Will Planning Wizard begins the will preparation process. It does not create a will or a legal document. Instead, it guides you in collecting and organizing your thoughts, information, and documents before you visit your attorney.

(Please note that some states allow an individual to compose his or her own will, but it is wise to employ a qualified attorney. A will is one of the least expensive legal documents, and a well-written one could save your heirs a lot of dollars and hassle.)

To protect your identity, the Will Planning Wizard will not ask for your Social Security number. None of your information is captured by the Wizard or stored on file. However, if you exit the Wizard before completing it, all of your information will be lost and you will have to start again.

Ready? Click "BeginOpens new window" to start.

Already have a will? Want to amend it? Download a sample codicilOpens new window.

Personal Information

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Prior Marriages

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♠ Please Note: If you have been previously married more than once, please provide all requested information for any additional spouses on a separate sheet.


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Children

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♠ Please Note: Please list any adopted children under the applicable categories and indicate that they are adopted. Also, please indicate if any children are deceased.


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Dependents

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♠ Remember: If you cannot, or do not wish to, answer any questions in full at this time, keep on going. You'll have the chance to fill in the blanks later.


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Other Family Members

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Trusts

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Do you currently receive income from a trust?

If so, please attach a copy of the trust document.

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Insurance

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Are there any life insurance policies in existence for either spouse?

If so, please indicate the name of the policy holder and provide information regarding:

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Assets in Join Tenancy

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Retirement Benefits

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Are you enrolled in a retirement plan?

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Gifts or Inheritances

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Asset and Liability Schedule

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♠ Please Note: There will be a section at the end to write in any addtional assets or liabilities.


Assets


Liabilities

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Real Property

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Please attach a copy of the deed for each parcel of real property that you own.

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Will Provisions

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Personal Representative

A personal representative administers your estate in accordance with the instructions contained in your Will. Please list a first choice and an alternate, in case the person who is your first choice predeceases you or is unable to serve:


First Choice


Alternate

Distribution

Guardianship

If you die before your children reach the age of eighteen, who do you wish to serve as their guardian?


First Choice


Alternate

Charitable Interests

Testamentary Trust


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Durable Power of Attorney

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The Durable Power of Attorney becomes effective upon the proven incompetency of an individual to handle his or her own affairs. In this document, you would name a person who would take charge of your affairs (known as your "attorney-in-fact"). The value of this document is that it eliminates the need to establish a guardianship in the event of incompetency.


Do you need this document prepared?

Who do you wish to nominate as your attorney-in-fact?

First Choice

Alternate

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Power of Attorney for Healthcare

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♠ Please Note: Your attorney-in-fact should be a person in whose judgment you trust.


The Power of Attorney for Health Care authorizes the designated attorney-in-fact to authorize or withhold medical care if you are unable to do so yourself. The person so designated should be a person with whom you have discussed issues such as use of medical means to prolong your life artificially.


Do you need this document prepared?

Who do you wish to nominate as your attorney-in-fact?

First Choice

Alternate

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Directive to Physicians (Living Will)

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The Directive to Physicians clarifies a person's wish not to have his or her life "artificially prolonged" in the case of any injury, disease or terminal condition rendering such person unable to communicate.


Do you need this document prepared?

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Pets

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Please indicate whether you are interested in having a trust to make sure that your pet is taken care of in the event of your death.

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Digital

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Other

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Professional Legal and Financial Advisors

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Please list your current professional legal and financial advisors here:

Attorney:

Accountant:

Stock Broker:

Insurance Agent: