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How to Choose the Right Will Paper for Your Will

5th Dec 2023

How to Choose the Right Will Paper for Your Will

Are you thinking of creating your will but wondering what type of paper or supplies you may need to do it properly? It's a good idea to make sure you have the right will paper so it lasts for decades to come.

You don't want to choose a cheap paper product that fades, discolors, or deteriorates in a few years. Make sure your legacy is secure with a finalized will you can count on.

Although it's not the easiest topic to think about, your will matters to you and your loved ones. So it's worth your time to make sure you have the right tools to prepare your will and testament.

Here's everything you should know about the products you need for creating a will.

The Correct Will Paper

Although the paper size of your will has no effect on how valid your will is, the quality of the paper is extremely important. Traditionally, wills were created using legal-sized paper, but you can craft a will using standard-sized paper too.

The quality of the paper affects the longevity and the appearance of your will. If you're relatively young, your will could be hanging around for decades to come.

No matter your age, you want your last testament to be in good form and easy to read. That's why the paper quality is a crucial element to consider.

Legal documents like wills, trusts, or deeds call for high-quality archival paper.

Paper Weight

Classifying bond paper by weight originated in the 1800s. At the time, bond paper was used for creating important documents, including government bonds.

The paper was 20 to 100% cotton rag fiber. This was a higher quality than the previous option of paper made from wood pulp.

Wills should be printed on high-quality medium-weight bond paper. This type of paper is sturdy and created to last.

Most business offices use standard copy paper for their everyday needs, but that's not recommended for something as important as your will. Bond paper typically weighs between 16 and 24 pounds.

This calculation is done by measuring 500 sheets of bond paper in its uncut state. If 500 paper sheets weigh 20 pounds, it's considered a 20-pound bond.

A 24-pound bond weight has a stiffer, thicker texture and a more decadent look and feel than lower-weight bond paper. This is a good choice for creating a finalized will.

The Right Impression

Your legal will is part of your legacy. It should make an impression. The paper can be plain or ruled. It's always a nice touch to have the first page engraved with "last will and testament."

This adds a touch of professionalism to your will. At one time, lawyers used 8-1/2 x 14 bond paper for wills and related documents. This is often called legal paper.

Some people still use this sized paper for legal and business documents, but most lawyers now use the standard 8-1/2 x ll bond paper. If you are crafting your own will, the paper size is your choice.

Whatever length you choose, it's a good idea to coordinate all related documents in a complete estate plan. This allows all the parts of your estate plan to stand independently yet look like part of a coordinated plan.

Estate Planning Binder

If the thought of creating your own will seems overwhelming, an attorney can help you with the entire process. If you choose to do it yourself, you'll need a keen eye for detail.

Depending on your financial picture, your will can become much more than one sheet of paper. Many legal wills involve a plethora of paperwork, documents, and notes.

An estate planning binder can become an indispensable tool to help you organize it all. Think of it like a treasure chest that contains the most important facts and plans for your beloved beneficiaries.

It's a way to keep everything pertaining to your will organized and secure. An estate planning binder ensures the information is there when it's needed most.

It brings peace of mind knowing your financial details and wishes are organized and well-maintained.

Will Covers and Envelopes

You may wonder whether you need a will cover and a will envelope for your last testament. Although these items don't affect the validity of your will, they add some class to its presentation.

The will cover design allows the will to be stapled inside. The cover is scored, so it's easy to fold.

The folded will is placed in the coordinating envelope for easy and secure storage. Last will and testament envelopes should be gummed for easy sealing and increased privacy.

Legal Tabs

If you plan to have an estate planning binder, it doesn't take long for paperwork to start running together. All of those legal documents can be a little overwhelming unless you're a legal expert.

One way to simplify the process is by using legal tabs. Although it may seem like a simple concept, legal tabs can make organizing documents so much easier.

Instead of shuffling through mounds of paper, you can simply jump to the correct section to get what you need. Legal tabs can help you be more organized and precise.

Where your will is concerned, a minor oversight can become a major issue. Tabs help you mark each section, making it easy for you, your attorney, or your family member to find what they need in a flash.

For a wills and trusts lawyer, organization and accuracy are key to providing the best service possible for their clients.

Getting the Will Paper and Materials You Need

Creating a will is one of the most important things you can do to preserve your legacy and provide for your beloved beneficiaries. If you plan to craft your will and testament yourself or through an attorney, it's important to have the correct will paper and other necessary materials.

At exhibitindexes.com, we have all the legal supplies you need at the best prices. We have most products in stock and ready to ship directly to you.

Whether you need will paper or other legal organizational tools, we're here to help. Check out our high-quality legal products today.