Free Guide

Will Preparation Worksheet

A free worksheet to gather everything you need before writing your will — executors, beneficiaries, guardians and gifts — so the actual writing takes minutes.

Writing a will is quick once you've gathered your decisions. Work through this worksheet first, then use our free will writer to turn your answers into a draft document in about ten minutes.

A note on what you get: the will writer produces a draft. It is general information, not legal advice, and it has not been reviewed by a lawyer — Passing-On is not a law firm. Will rules vary from state to state, so please have a qualified attorney in your state read your draft over, and then sign and witness it exactly as the document explains. Until then it has no legal effect.

1. About you

  • Your full legal name and any former names
  • Your address
  • Your marital status

2. Your executor

  • Who will carry out your wishes? (Choose someone organised and trustworthy.)
  • A backup executor in case your first choice can't act.
  • Have you asked them? (Always ask first.)

3. Guardians (if you have children)

  • Who should raise your minor children?
  • A backup guardian.
  • Have you discussed it with them?

4. Your beneficiaries

  • Who inherits, and what share or specific items?
  • Backup beneficiaries if someone predeceases you.
  • Any specific gifts (heirlooms, sums of money, charitable donations).
  • Anyone you intend to leave out (say so explicitly to avoid disputes).

5. Your assets

List property, accounts, investments, vehicles, valuables, life insurance and digital assets. You don't need exact values — just a complete picture. Our digital asset inventory worksheet helps with the online ones.

6. Signing it correctly

A will is only valid once signed in front of the required witnesses for your state — usually two adults who are not beneficiaries. Our free will writer explains how this is normally done where you live, but an attorney review is still the safest way to be sure your particular will does what you intend.

Got your answers ready?

Start your free will draft

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Frequently asked questions

What information do I need to write a will?

Your executor and a backup, guardians for any minor children, your beneficiaries and what each receives, a list of your assets, and how you want everything divided.

How long does it take to write a will?

Once you have gathered your decisions using a worksheet like this, producing a draft typically takes around ten minutes with a guided tool. Allow extra time for a qualified attorney to review the draft and for signing and witnessing it correctly — that is what turns a draft into a valid will.

A note on legal advice

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Passing-On is not a law firm. Estate and inheritance rules vary by state and change over time, so please consult a qualified professional about your own situation. Our free will writer produces a draft only — it has not been reviewed by a lawyer, and it has no legal effect until an attorney has looked it over and you have signed and witnessed it correctly.