Preamble

• The preamble is the first part of a will. Typically, the will document has "Last Will and Testament" written at the top of it, with the preamble immediately below this title. The preamble states your name and that you intend the will as your last will and testament. It should also state your age at the time you enter into the will and that you are making the will out of your own free will, outside the influence or coercions of anyone else.
  
  

Heirs

• A will typically includes a detailed list of the people or organizations to whom you wish to leave property. This can include an item-by-item list of the property you want to leave, or a general statement of who is to receive your property. For example, you can state that you want your daughter to receive your car and your son to receive your boat. Alternatively, you can say that you want each child to receive half of all your property.
  
  

Guardians, Executors and Funerals

• Wills can also be used to nominate important people that will handle your affairs after you die. The executor is the person who will distribute your property to your heirs and turn your will into the court to start the probate process. You can nominate this person in your will. You also may nominate a guardian who will care for your children in the event you die before they become adults. Finally, you can express how you want your funeral handled, such as whether you wish to be buried or cremated.
  
  

Signatures

• You must sign your will, and the signature portion usually comes at the end of the document. If you are making the will entirely in your own handwriting, and if you live in a state that allows for handwritten wills, you do not have to get your will signed by witnesses. In all other situations, you must have at least two competent adults sign the will after witnessing you sign or after you affirm to them that the will is your last will and testament. Though wills do not have to be notarized, you can also have the will signed and witnessed before a notary.