What Supplies Do You Need for a Last Will and Testament?

Creating a last will and testament can be a difficult challenge, especially if you don't have the right supplies. Learn more.

Are you looking for ways to protect your assets after you've passed on from this life? Do you want to make sure that your stuff ends up exactly where you want it to go? If so, then you need to learn all you can about creating a last will and testament.

Doing so will help you in a variety of ways. It can help you control how each of your assets is divvied up when you die, it's easy to do, and takes very little time to do so.

See below for an in-depth guide listing all of the things that you will need for a last will and testament.

1. Covers

Believe it or not, the way that you present your last will and testament plays a factor in dividing up your assets after you've passed on. Your last will and testament should be stored in an envelope with a professional and high-end aesthetic.

Think of it this way: if you store your last will and testament in an average envelope, it might be thrown away. At the very least, your loved ones will have a tough time finding it.

Make sure that you invest in a will and testament cover that stands out. For example, we recommend this blue last will and testament cover. The blue color will make it stand out, and it will read "Last Will and Testament" on the cover to cover its intent and purpose.

Be sure to consider the size of your document and how you'd like it to be folded. Our site has plenty of options for you to choose from. That way, you can ensure that the will is placed securely inside and protected.

We're happy to provide you with a "see and feel" example of any product before you order, just be sure to email us at samples@exhibitindexes.com for more info.

2. Declaration of Trust Paper

There are many situations in which one would require a declaration of trust. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the term, a declaration of trust is a formal document where you appoint someone as a trustee of your assets.

This trustee is tasked with handling and overseeing all of your assets that you're holding for one or more people to inherit one day.

A common example of this is when a business owner appoints a trustee to oversee his or her assets until his children are of age to inherit the company, the property, the money, etc.

A declaration of trust should be presented beautifully. It requires the right type of paper (declaration of trust paper) to give a firm and legally binding impression. By using that specific paper, you've shown that your trustee was well thought out.

Our declaration of trust paper comes with 50 sheets of letter-sized engraved paper, with a bright white 100-percent rag bond. It has the perfect look and feel of a legal document.

Once you've determined who will be the trustee of your assets, seal the deal by writing down your wishes on this beautiful paper.

3. Living Will Cover

If you're looking to cover all of your bases, then you will want to create a living will along with your last will.

What's the difference? A living will take care of you if you're in a situation where you can't take care of yourself. You're essentially appointing someone to make decisions on your medical treatment for you when you aren't able to express consent for yourself.

A last will and testament, as we pointed out earlier, only describes how you'd like your assets to be divvied up.

Much like the last will and testament, you'll want your living will have a living will cover to it. This can be given to your executor to ensure that it's protected and ready to be used in the case of an emergency.

4. Continuation Paper

If you have a sizeable estate, then you will want to ensure that your directions for dividing up your assets are clear and concise.

If some of the pages in your last will and testament are out of order, it can spell disaster for everyone that's involved. The disorganized pages could result in one of your assets going to the wrong party.

Continuation paper will ensure that doesn't happen. It will help your entire document have a structured outline with black rules and 3/4" margins on either side. It will be easy to read and thus, easy for everyone to interpret.

5. Exhibit Tabs

Communication favors those that are organized. If you have a sizeable last will and testament, then you'll want to make sure the executor can quickly retrieve any piece of information that they need without having to browse through the entire document.

That's why we recommend purchasing side collated exhibit tabs for the will. Each tab has a number assigned to it to specify important areas of the document.

You can create a makeshift table of contents in the front of the book assigning the tab numbers to the different assets that you cover, instructions you layout, trustees you mention, etc.

Create a Last Will and Testament Today

Now that you have seen all of the supplies you'll need for your last will and testament, be sure to use this information to your advantage.

Be sure to read this article for more information on the best practices for writing a last will and testament form the right way. For more inquiries, please reach out to us at 800-698-8423 and we will be happy to assist you further.