Wills, Last Will, Guardians, & Estate Planning

Wills: The Basics

Wills FAQ
Start here for a quick answers to the most common questions about wills.

The Simple Will: No Frills, No Fuss, No Anxiety
It's easier than you think to make a will that expresses your wishes and is valid in your state.

What a Will Won't Do
Lots of valuable property doesn't go through your will--make sure you know how to leave it to the beneficiaries of your choice.

Executor FAQ
Before you name an executor in your will, be sure you understand at least the basics of the job.

Marriage & Property Ownership: Who Owns What?
You can't leave what you don't own--so be sure you know what's yours and what belongs to your spouse.

Inheritance Rights
Do your children have a right to inherit your property?

Leaving an Inheritance for Children
If your children are young, you want to make sure an adult will manage any money they inherit before they're ready to handle it themselves.

Do I Need More Than a Will?
A simple will is always a good idea. But if your family situation is complicated, or you own a lot of property, you may want to do some more estate planning.

Leaving Your Season Tickets
Can you use your will to leave your precious season tickets?

Making or Revoking Your Will

Making a Will in Your State
Every state has its own laws setting out what makes a will valid. Check out your state's rules here.

Make Your Will: A Quick Checklist
Okay, are you ready to make your will? Follow these simple steps and relax, knowing you've created a valid will.

Making a Will: Are Lawyers Optional?
It may surprise you to find out that wills are usually pretty simple documents--and that most people, with the right instructions, can prepare their own without a lawyer.

Holographic Wills
Some states allow you to hand-write a valid will, but it's not recommended.

Revoking a Will
Most people make more than one will during their lifetimes; here's how to make sure the old one really goes away.

When to Make a New Will
When your life changes, your will should, too.

Why Not to Make a Codicil
Don't bother with trying to change an old will--it's only likely to cause confusion. Start fresh.

Naming a Guardian for Your Children

Guardians for Your Children
No parent wants to think about it, but who would raise your children if you couldn't? Naming a guardian is an important part of your will.

Picking a Guardian for Your Child: Problems and Solutions
Many, many parents get stuck when it comes to choosing a guardian, and as a result never finish making their wills. Here are tried and true ways to get over the hump.

Questions on Wills

Should I make a will online?

Can I make a conditional gift in my will?

Can we contest our father's will?

Do I have to be in my home state when I make my will?

What if my child's appointed guardian can't handle money?

Can I disinherit an adopted child?

Can my husband and I make a joint will?

Can a beneficiary also be a witness to my will?

Can my brother prevent me from inheriting because I'm adopted?

Can my father quitclaim his property to me instead of leaving it in his will?

Do I share in my husband's inheritance of his mom's house?