What Is a Will?

Most people know that they should have a will, but many don’t know what a will is and how it works.

The Simple Will: No Frills, No Fuss, No Anxiety

If we do nothing else to take care of our legal affairs, we should write a will. If you don't make a will before your death, state law will determine who gets your property and a judge may decide who will raise your children.

What a Will Won't Do

Many kinds of property -- perhaps some of the most valuable things you own -- don't necessarily pass through your will. Here are some things you shouldn't expect to accomplish in your will.

Inheritance Rights

Your closest relatives may have a right to claim part of your estate.

Do I Need More Than a Will?

Learn whether you need a trust, power of attorney, or health care directive in addition to a will.

Writing a Will: Including an Explanatory Letter

Writing a will is for strictly legal tasks like naming your executor, beneficiaries for property, and guardians for children.

Wills FAQ

What you need to know about wills -- the most basic estate planning document.

Restrictions on Out-of-State Guardians for Minors

When naming guardians for your children in your will, it is usually best to name a guardian who lives relatively close to your child. However in many families, those who have the closest relationships with the kids are not necessarily those who live the closest, and and it is usually not a problem to name a guardian who lives far away.

Should I make a will online?

Can I make a will online? How is this different than going to a lawyer for a will? Is it safe? Can I assign a guardian for my child in case anything happens to me?

Can we contest our father's will?

If a deceased parent's will does not mention adult children, are those children entitled to anything?

Can a beneficiary also be a witness to my will?

I just made my will. If someone is listed as a beneficiary, can that person sign as a witness?

Can my dad quitclaim property to me instead of leaving it by will?

My father wants to quitclaim deed his property over to me before he dies. Can this be done?

What is the best way to update my will?

What is the best way to update my will?

Can my husband and I make a joint will?

Can my husband and I write one joint will instead of two separate ones?

Can I disinherit an adopted child?

Is it legal for adoptive parents to disinherit their adopted children?

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

My mother-in-law left her house to my husband when she died. My husband says the house belongs to him. But doesn't it belong to both of us since we live in a community property state?

If I don't write a will, will my stepmother inherit some of my property?

My father married a woman 20 years ago who treats me like scum. I try to get along with her, but it's obvious that I'm wasting my time.  If something happens to me before I make a will, is there a possibility that my stepmother will be included when my property is divided?

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

I'm a single mom getting ready to make a will. I plan to leave everything to my five-year-old daughter and name my sister to raise her. My only concern is that my sister might not be able to manage the money and property that my daughter would inherit. Any ideas?

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

I am adopted. Some years ago, my mother put her and my father's house in my brother's and my name. Our mother now has Alzheimer's and our father died earlier this year. My brother told me that our father had me removed from his will. (After my father became blind and unable to drive, he also became very angry at everyone.) Now my brother, who is well off financially, is trying to sell the house at auction. It was my mother's wish that I have a share of the house. What legal recourse do I have?

When to Make a New Will

Make sure your will reflects your current wishes and situation.

Why Not Make a Codicil to Amend Your Will?

A codicil is a document that’s added to an existing will, to change or add to it. And it's obsolete.

Revoking a Will

The best way to revoke (or get rid of) an existing will is to create a new will to replace it. Merely destroying the original will may not be enough. Here's why.