10 Questions to Ask Before Writing Your Will

Writing a will is an important step in making sure that your loved ones are taken care of and that your wishes are carried out as you want them to be. It may seem hard, but taking the time to think about important parts of your estate plan can help you avoid problems in the future. To make sure your will is well-organized and legally sound, ask yourself the following questions before you write it.

Your Assets and Their Distribution

1. What Do I Own, and How Should It Be Distributed?

A will serves as a roadmap for distributing your possessions, so the first step is identifying everything you own. This includes real estate, bank accounts, investments, personal belongings, and digital assets. Having a detailed inventory helps ensure that nothing is overlooked and that your wishes are carried out accurately.

Common Asset Categories:

Once you have a clear picture of your assets, consider who should inherit them. Would you like to distribute them equally among heirs, or should certain individuals receive specific items? If you have sentimental belongings, specifying their recipients can help avoid conflicts.

2. Have I Considered All Potential Beneficiaries?

When naming beneficiaries, think beyond immediate family members. You may also wish to include close friends, charitable organizations, or even trusts set up for specific purposes. Consider any contingencies—what happens if a beneficiary predeceases you? Naming backup recipients can help prevent legal issues later on.

3. Should I Leave Charitable Contributions?

If you have a cause that is important to you, consider whether you’d like to leave a portion of your estate to a charity. Some individuals choose to set up charitable trusts, while others opt for direct bequests. If this is something you are considering, research how best to structure your donation to maximize its impact while minimizing tax implications.

Choosing Responsible Parties to Carry Out Your Wishes

4. Who Will Serve as My Executor?

The executor of your will is responsible for managing your estate, ensuring that your debts and taxes are settled, and distributing your assets according to your instructions. Selecting the right person is essential, as this role requires organization, financial understanding, and a fair approach.

Naming an alternate executor can provide a backup plan in case your first choice is unable to serve.

5. Who Will Be the Guardian for My Minor Children?

If you have children under the age of 18, appointing a guardian is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make. This person will be responsible for their upbringing if you and the other parent are unable to do so. Consider factors such as values, financial stability, and willingness to take on the role. Additionally, it’s important to have a conversation with your chosen guardian to ensure they are prepared for the responsibility.

Addressing Legal and Medical Considerations

6. Have I Made Provisions for Healthcare and End-of-Life Decisions?

While a will primarily deals with asset distribution, it can also include instructions regarding medical care. Documents such as a living will or healthcare power of attorney allow you to specify your preferences for medical treatment if you become unable to communicate them yourself. Naming a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on your behalf can help ensure that your wishes are respected.

7. Should I Set Conditions for Inheritances?

In some cases, it may be beneficial to place conditions on how and when beneficiaries receive their inheritance. For example, you might stipulate that funds are only distributed when a beneficiary reaches a certain age or meets specific requirements, such as completing higher education. Trusts can also be established to manage assets over time, offering more control over how your estate is handled.

Ensuring Legal Validity and Long-Term Effectiveness

8. Do I Need Legal Assistance to Write My Will?

While there are templates and online services available, complex estates often require professional guidance. If you have multiple properties, significant investments, or specific distribution requests, consulting an attorney can help ensure that your will is legally sound and less likely to be contested. Estate laws vary by location, so having legal oversight can prevent unintended consequences.

9. Where Will My Will Be Stored, and Who Should Have Access?

It’s important to keep your will in a safe but easy-to-reach place once you’ve written it. People often choose a safe deposit box, a legal office, or a home safe that won’t catch fire. Make sure your executor and at least one other person you trust know where to find it. Also, going over your will every so often, especially after big events in your life like getting married, getting divorced, or having a child, can help keep it up to date.

10. What Happens If I Don’t Have a Will?

If you pass away without a will, your estate will be distributed according to local intestacy laws, which may not align with your intentions. This process can be lengthy, costly, and sometimes lead to disputes among surviving family members. Having a well-drafted will in place helps provide clarity and peace of mind for those you leave behind.

Conclusion

Making a will is an important step in getting ready for the future. Taking the time to ask these important questions will make sure that your assets are safe, your loved ones are taken care of, and your wishes are legally recognized. You can make a complete will that shows what you want to do by planning carefully and getting professional help when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to write a will?

A will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are taken care of after your passing. It also helps avoid legal disputes, delays, and confusion during estate settlement.

What should I include in my will?

Your will should list your assets, name your beneficiaries, appoint an executor, designate guardians for any minor children, and specify any conditions for inheritance. You may also include instructions for charitable donations or end-of-life medical decisions.

Who should be my executor?

Your executor should be someone you trust, who is organized, financially competent, and capable of managing legal and financial responsibilities. It’s wise to also name an alternate executor in case your first choice cannot serve.

Do I need a lawyer to write a will?

While simple wills can be created using online tools, hiring an estate attorney is recommended for complex estates or if you want legal assurance that your will complies with state laws and won’t be easily contested.

What happens if I don’t have a will?

Without a will, your estate will be distributed according to local intestacy laws, which may not reflect your preferences. This can lead to family disputes and prolonged legal processes.

Can I include conditions on inheritances in my will?

Yes. You can specify when and how a beneficiary receives an inheritance, such as reaching a certain age or completing education. Trusts are commonly used to manage conditional inheritances.

Where should I store my will?

Store your will in a secure but accessible location such as a fireproof home safe, a legal office, or a bank’s safe deposit box. Make sure your executor knows where to find it.

How often should I update my will?

Review your will regularly, especially after major life events like marriage, divorce, childbirth, or significant financial changes. Updating it ensures your wishes remain accurate and legally valid.

Can I leave money to a charity in my will?

Yes. You can name a charity as a beneficiary or establish a charitable trust. Proper structuring can maximize the impact of your donation and offer potential tax benefits.

What legal documents should I consider besides a will?

In addition to your will, consider creating a living will and a healthcare power of attorney. These documents express your medical preferences and designate someone to make healthcare decisions if you’re unable to.

Join a vibrant community with the sole mission to achieve financial independence.

View more

Reviewed and edited by Albert Fang.

See a typo or want to suggest an edit/revision to the content? Use the comment form below for feedback.

At FangWallet, we value editorial integrity and open collaboration in curating quality content for readers to enjoy. Much appreciated for the assist.

---

Did you like our article and find it insightful? We encourage sharing the article link with family and friends to benefit as well - better yet, sharing on social media. Thank you for the support! 🍉

Article Title: 10 Questions to Ask Before Writing Your Will

https://fangwallet.com/2025/06/21/writing-a-will/

---

The FangWallet Promise

FangWallet is an editorially independent resource - founded on breaking down challenging financial concepts for anyone to understand since 2014. While we adhere to editorial integrity, note that this post may contain references to products from our partners.

The FangWallet promise is always to have your best interest in mind and be transparent and honest about the financial picture.

---

---

Become an Insider

Subscribe to get a free daily budget planner printable to help get your money on track!

Make passive money the right way. No spam.

* indicates required

First Name

Email Address *

/* real people should not fill this in and expect good things - do not remove this or risk form bot signups */

---