ARTICLE I: DECLARATION
I declare that I am [single/married/divorced/widowed] and the parent of [number] children, namely:
- [Child 1’s Full Name], born on [Date of Birth];
- [Child 2’s Full Name], born on [Date of Birth].
[Include additional children as applicable.]
If I have any children born or adopted after the execution of this Will, they shall be included as my beneficiaries as though named herein.
ARTICLE II: APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR
I hereby nominate and appoint [Executor’s Full Name], residing at [Executor’s Address], as Executor of this Will. Should [Executor’s Name] be unable or unwilling to serve, I appoint [Alternate Executor’s Full Name], residing at [Alternate Executor’s Address], as Alternate Executor.
The Executor shall have full authority to administer my estate, including but not limited to paying debts, expenses, and taxes, distributing assets, and taking any actions necessary to effectuate the terms of this Will.
ARTICLE III: SPECIFIC BEQUESTS
I direct that the following specific bequests be made:
- I give and bequeath my real property located at [Address of Property] to [Beneficiary’s Full Name], to be held absolutely and in fee simple.
- I give and bequeath my motor vehicle, a [Make, Model, and Year], to [Beneficiary’s Full Name].
- I give and bequeath my investment portfolio, currently managed by [Financial Institution Name], to [Beneficiary’s Full Name].
- I give and bequeath my personal belongings, including but not limited to jewelry, furniture, and collectibles, to [Beneficiary’s Full Name].
ARTICLE IV: RESIDUAL ESTATE
I direct that the residue of my estate, including all personal and real property not otherwise disposed of in this Will, shall be distributed as follows:
- [Percentage, e.g., “50%”] to [Beneficiary’s Full Name], [Relationship];
- [Percentage, e.g., “25%”] to [Beneficiary’s Full Name], [Relationship];
- [Percentage, e.g., “25%”] to [Beneficiary’s Full Name], [Relationship].
If any beneficiary predeceases me, their share shall pass to their surviving issue per stirpes. If no issue survives, that share shall be distributed among the remaining beneficiaries in proportion to their respective shares.
ARTICLE V: GUARDIANSHIP OF MINOR CHILDREN
If I should die leaving minor children, I nominate [Guardian’s Full Name], residing at [Guardian’s Address], as Guardian of the person and property of such minor children. Should [Guardian’s Name] be unable or unwilling to serve, I nominate [Alternate Guardian’s Full Name], residing at [Alternate Guardian’s Address], as Alternate Guardian.
ARTICLE VI: DEBTS AND EXPENSES
I direct my Executor to pay all legally enforceable debts, funeral expenses, and estate administration costs from the residue of my estate.
ARTICLE VII: GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Simultaneous Death: If any beneficiary and I die simultaneously, or under circumstances rendering it impossible to determine the order of death, it shall be presumed that I survived the beneficiary.
- No Contest Clause: If any beneficiary challenges the validity of this Will, such beneficiary shall forfeit their share of my estate, and such share shall pass as if they had predeceased me.