Everything You Need to Know About Preparing a Last Will and Testament

A last will and testament is a legally binding document that you write while you are alive to provide instructions for your estate after you are gone. Writing a will and last testament will form the foundation of your estate plan. Estate planning helps you minimize taxes and expenses for your beneficiaries when your assets are distributed later on. Your last will and testament allows you to specify exactly what you desire and it will be the presiding document used by a probate court to settle your estate. Here’s a last will and testament checklist with several essential details to include:

Name an executor. The executor will be the individual who will be fulfilling the wishes you have put into your will.

Identify beneficiaries. List the individuals who will inherit parts of your estate. You can divide your assets amongst them however you wish. These can be family members, friends, or even your favorite charity.

Choose a guardian. If you have any children under the age of 18, you’ll need to list who you want to be their guardian.

Other wishes. Include any other wishes you may have, such as instructions for your funeral, who should take care of your pets, and other desires that aren’t associated with your financial assets.

Sign it. Your signature must be present for your will to be valid.

Witnesses. Get two witnesses to sign your will. They must be individuals who are not listed in your will.

Notarization. Get your will notarized to cement its validity and ensure that it will hold up in court.

Dying with no will and testament, also known as intestate, comes with consequences that you want to avoid. One of those consequences is that the state will become the executor of your estate and your family will have no say in how your assets are distributed. Blood relatives can stake a claim to the estate, but the process still requires court intervention and determination. That’s why it is crucial to plan ahead by writing your last will and testament and forming an estate plan.

The Canadian National Christian Foundation offers strategies and giving options that allow you to give more than you ever thought possible and in ways that will have more impact on God’s kingdom while maximizing your gift. CNCF has partnered with Advisors with Purpose, a ministry committed to helping God’s people manage God’s money, to help people create biblically-based estate plans. Schedule an appointment with one of our skilled advisors and start determining your legacy today.

About Canadian National Christian Foundation

CNCF is a community of givers who are seeking to advance the Kingdom of God by connecting the resources God has entrusted to them with His work on earth.

Similar to other public foundations, CNCF’s difference is the commitment of its staff and directors to the Word of God, its non-denominational history and status as a Christian foundation, and its ability to allow donors to donate anonymously, at a time and gift value of their choosing.  Learn more by visiting our website.