Structure
Creating a Last Will and Testament is an essential step for anyone looking to ensure their wishes are honored after they pass away. In Wisconsin, this legal document serves as a crucial tool for outlining how your assets should be distributed, who will care for your minor children, and who will execute your estate. The Wisconsin Last Will and Testament form provides a clear structure for expressing your intentions, allowing you to designate beneficiaries, specify guardians for dependents, and appoint an executor to manage your estate. It’s important to understand that this form must meet specific requirements to be valid, including being signed in the presence of witnesses. Additionally, you have the flexibility to modify your will as your circumstances change, ensuring that it remains aligned with your current wishes. By taking the time to complete this form thoughtfully, you provide peace of mind for yourself and clarity for your loved ones during a difficult time.
Form Example
Wisconsin Last Will and Testament
This Last Will and Testament is designed to be compliant with the laws of the State of Wisconsin, specifically under the Wisconsin Statutes. This document allows an individual, known as the Testator, to outline how their estate should be distributed upon their death. It's crucial that the Testator ensures all information is accurate and reflects their final wishes. This template should be reviewed by a legal professional before finalization to ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.
INFORMATION SECTION
Full Name of Testator: ___________________________________________________
Date of Birth of Testator: ________________________________________________
Address of Testator: _____________________________________________________
ARTICLE I - Declaration
I, _________________________[Full Name of Testator], resident in the City of ____________________, County of ____________________, State of Wisconsin, being of sound mind and not acting under duress or undue influence, and fully understanding the nature and extent of all my property and of this act, do hereby make, publish, and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all previously made wills and codicils by me.
ARTICLE II - Family Information
At the time of creating this document, my family consists of:
- Spouse: ______________________________________________________________
- Children: ____________________________________________________________
- Other dependents: ____________________________________________________
ARTICLE III - Appointment of Executor
I hereby appoint __________________[Full Name] of ________________________[City, State] as the Executor of this Will. If this Executor is unable or unwilling to serve, then I appoint ______________________[Alternative Executor's Full Name] of ___________________[City, State] as the alternate Executor.
ARTICLE IV - Distribution of Assets
I direct that after the payment of all my just debts, funeral expenses, and the cost of administration, my estate be distributed as follows:
- To _________________[Name], I bequeath ___________________________________________.
- To _________________[Name], I bequeath ___________________________________________.
- And so on for each beneficiary.
ARTICLE V - Guardianship
If I am survived by minor children, then I appoint ____________________ [Full Name of Guardian] of _____________________[City, State] as their guardian. Should this Guardian be unable or unwilling to serve, then I appoint _______________________[Alternative Guardian's Full Name] of ___________________[City, State] to act in this capacity.
ARTICLE VI - Signatures
This Will was signed in the city of ____________________, state of Wisconsin, on the ____ day of _____________, 20__.
_____________________________ [Signature of Testator]
_____________________________ [Printed Name of Testator]
Witness Declaration
We, the undersigned, declare that the Testator willingly signed and executed this document as their Last Will and Testament in our presence, that they appeared to be of sound mind and not under duress. We hereby sign this document as witnesses on the date and place written below, understanding that this Will shall be effective only upon the death of the Testator.
Witness 1 Signature: ___________________________________________________
Printed Name: __________________________________________________________
Date: __________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
Witness 2 Signature: ___________________________________________________
Printed Name: __________________________________________________________
Date: __________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
File Specifications
| Fact Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | The Wisconsin Last Will and Testament is governed by Chapter 853 of the Wisconsin Statutes. |
| Minimum Age | Individuals must be at least 18 years old to create a valid will in Wisconsin. |
| Signature Requirement | The will must be signed by the testator (the person making the will) or by another person in their presence and at their direction. |
| Witness Requirement | At least two witnesses must sign the will, and they should not be beneficiaries of the will to avoid potential conflicts. |
| Revocation | A will can be revoked by creating a new will or by physically destroying the existing will with the intent to revoke it. |
| Holographic Wills | Wisconsin recognizes holographic wills, which are handwritten and signed by the testator, provided they meet certain criteria. |
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