Will Generator

A last will and testament can help you state who receives your property and who manages your estate. This free tool drafts a basic will template you can use as a starting point—it is not legal advice and may not meet your state's requirements without review by a qualified attorney.

Disclaimer: This tool does not constitute legal advice. It produces a basic template only. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before signing or relying on any legal document.

Beneficiaries

%

Assets

What a basic will can do

A will names an executor to settle your estate, directs how remaining assets are divided among beneficiaries, and can include specific gifts (such as jewelry or a vehicle) and personal wishes. After death, the will is typically submitted to probate court so the executor can pay debts and distribute property.

Many adults benefit from having a will, especially parents, homeowners, and anyone with clear preferences for their property. State law applies if you die without one. This generator is best for simple situations; trusts, guardianship clauses, and tax planning require professional guidance.

Read our Will Writing Guide: Basics of a Last Will and Testament for a deeper explanation, examples, and FAQs.

What is a last will and testament?

A will is a legal document that describes how you want assets distributed after death and may name guardians for minor children and an executor to carry out instructions.

This generator produces a basic template for simple situations. State signing rules, witnesses, and notarization requirements vary—many people need an estate attorney for complex estates.

How the calculation works

  1. Enter personal details, beneficiaries, and asset instructions.
  2. Name an executor and optional guardians.
  3. Generate a draft document for review.
  4. Sign according to your state’s requirements with legal counsel if needed.

Worked examples

Simple estate

  • Single adult
  • Spouse as primary beneficiary
  • Sibling as backup executor

A straightforward template may suffice as a starting point—still review with a lawyer in your state.

Practical uses

  • •Organizing wishes before an attorney consult
  • •Understanding standard will clauses
  • •Emergency drafting when traveling (with local legal review)

Limitations

  • !Not legal advice; may not meet all state formalities
  • !Does not replace trusts, powers of attorney, or tax planning
  • !Complex families, business interests, or multi-state assets need professional help

References

Read our in-depth guide for more detail.

How This Tool Works

1

Fill in your details

Add your name, executor, beneficiaries, optional assets, and any special wishes.

2

Generate the template

The tool assembles a basic last will and testament with standard articles and witness lines.

3

Review before signing

Copy the text, complete placeholders, and follow your state's signing and witness rules—or have a lawyer review first.

What is Will Generator?

A last will and testament is a legal document stating who inherits your property, who administers your estate, and who cares for any minor children. This generator drafts a plain-language template — signing and witnessing rules vary by state and must be followed for validity.

Use this tool to assemble a plain-text will template with standard sections: executor appointment, beneficiary shares, optional specific bequests, and special wishes. All input stays in your browser until you generate and copy the document.

Executor

Manages your estate, pays debts, and distributes assets. Choose someone organized and trustworthy.

Beneficiaries

People or organizations who receive your estate. Percentages should total 100%.

Witnesses

Most states require two adult witnesses at signing. Rules vary—verify locally before you sign.

Further reading: USA.gov — Wills and estate planning · American Bar Association — Estate planning

Last updated: · Published:

How to Use This Tool

1

Enter your name

Provide your full legal name as it should appear on the document.

2

Name an executor

Choose someone trustworthy to pay debts and distribute assets according to your wishes.

3

Add beneficiaries

List who inherits your estate and assign percentage shares (ideally totaling 100%).

4

List specific assets

Optionally bequeath particular items such as a home, vehicle, or personal property.

5

Generate and review

Copy the template, fill in placeholders like city/state, sign with witnesses per your state's rules, and have an attorney review if needed.

Pro Tips

  • Review and update your will after marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or major asset changes
  • Store the original signed will in a secure place and tell your executor where to find it
  • Name a backup executor in case your first choice cannot serve
  • Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance override your will—keep them updated
  • Consult an estate planning attorney for complex estates, minor children, or state-specific requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a last will and testament?
A will is a legal document that states who should receive your property after you die and who should manage your estate (the executor). Without a valid will, state intestacy laws typically decide how assets are distributed—which may not match your wishes.
Is a will from this tool legally binding?
No guarantee. This tool produces a basic text template only. Whether a will is valid depends on your state's requirements for signing, witnesses, notarization, and content. Complex situations—minor children, blended families, business interests, or large estates—usually need an attorney-drafted will.
What does this generator include?
You can enter your name, name an executor, list beneficiaries with percentage shares, add specific asset bequests, and note special wishes (such as funeral preferences). The tool outputs plain text you can copy and review with a legal professional.
Why do witnesses matter?
Most US states require a will to be signed in the presence of witnesses—often two adults who are not beneficiaries. Some states also allow or require notarization or self-proving affidavits. Requirements vary by state; check your state bar or a local attorney before signing.
What does this tool not cover?
This template does not create trusts, name guardians for minor children, handle digital asset access, or provide tax or probate planning. Assets with beneficiary designations (life insurance, 401(k)s, IRAs) pass outside your will. An estate planning attorney can address gaps this template cannot.
When should I hire an estate planning attorney?
Consider professional help if you have minor children, own a business, hold property in multiple states, have a high net worth, need a trust, or want to minimize estate taxes. An attorney can ensure your documents meet state law and reflect your full situation.

Related Tools

NDA Generator
Create NDA documents
Password Tools
Password strength & hash
Age Calculator
Calculate your exact age
Property Tax
Estimate property tax