Creating a will is an essential step in planning for the future, especially for married couples. A basic will outlines how your assets will be distributed after your passing and can help avoid confusion or disputes among loved ones. Below are three diverse examples of basic will forms tailored specifically for married couples, highlighting different contexts and needs.
This example is perfect for couples who want to simplify their estate planning by creating a joint will. A joint will is a single document executed by both spouses, detailing the distribution of their jointly owned assets.
In this case, John and Mary, a married couple with two children, decide to create a joint will to ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes, should they both pass away.
Example:
We, John Doe and Mary Doe, residing at 123 Main Street, Cityville, State, hereby declare this to be our joint last will and testament. In the event of our passing, we direct that our entire estate, including all assets, personal and real property, shall be divided equally between our two children, Emily Doe and Michael Doe. If one of us should predecease the other, the surviving spouse shall inherit the entire estate. We appoint each other as the executor of this will.
Notes:
In this scenario, Sarah and Tom, a married couple, choose to create individual wills while including shared provisions that reflect their joint wishes for their children. This allows them to maintain personal control over their individual estates while still ensuring their joint intentions are clear.
Example:
I, Sarah Smith, residing at 456 Elm Street, Townsville, State, declare this to be my last will and testament. In the event of my death, I bequeath all my assets, including my half of our home and any personal property, to my husband, Tom Smith. If he predeceases me, I direct that my estate shall be divided equally between our children, Anna and Jake Smith. I nominate my husband, Tom Smith, as the executor of my estate.
I, Tom Smith, residing at 456 Elm Street, Townsville, State, declare this to be my last will and testament. In the event of my death, I bequeath all my assets, including my half of our home and any personal property, to my wife, Sarah Smith. If she predeceases me, I direct that my estate shall be divided equally between our children, Anna and Jake Smith. I nominate my wife, Sarah Smith, as the executor of my estate.
Notes:
This example is beneficial for couples who have specific concerns about minor children or want to ensure that their assets are managed in a certain way after their passing. Lisa and Mark decide to create a will that includes trust provisions for their children’s inheritance.
Example:
I, Lisa Johnson, residing at 789 Oak Avenue, Villageville, State, declare this to be my last will and testament. Upon my death, I direct that all my assets be placed into a trust for the benefit of my children, Olivia and Ethan Johnson, until they reach the age of 25. My husband, Mark Johnson, shall serve as the trustee. If Mark predeceases me, I appoint my sister, Jane Doe, as the successor trustee.
I, Mark Johnson, residing at 789 Oak Avenue, Villageville, State, declare this to be my last will and testament. Upon my death, I direct that all my assets be placed into a trust for the benefit of my children, Olivia and Ethan Johnson, until they reach the age of 25. My wife, Lisa Johnson, shall serve as the trustee. If Lisa predeceases me, I appoint my brother, John Doe, as the successor trustee.
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