Simple Will Forms

Is It Important to Notarize Your Last Will?

No, last wills don’t have to be notarized in Illinois. Illinois laws (755 ILCS 5/4-3) indicate that for the form to be legitimate, the testator should sign it before two witnesses aged 18 and over. The last will and testament can be considered self-proving without a self-proving affidavit in case the testator and witnesses complete and sign it properly.

The witnesses must not be related to the testator due to conflict of interest. Self-proving wills permit the probate court to acknowledge the will as genuine if it has a notarization seal from a certified officer and the signatures from the trusted witnesses.

It is imperative to note that Illinois does not recognize holographic and oral wills. Hand-written and typed documents are accepted as last wills having legal force if they are properly completed and witnessed.

Can I Complete a Last Will and Testament Online?

If you are looking for a quick method of completing your last will, you are on the right platform. Get a free printable template for a will in Illinois and make your will. The Illinois state requirements permit individuals to download fillable PDF forms online as long as the testator fulfills all of the legal requirements. Why not save your time and energy and download a printable Illinois last will form from our site?

With our template, you don’t have to consult legal professionals since the process is simple, quick, and convenient. You can also use a practical step-by-step online last will builder to create a last will perfectly customized to your needs. Forget the endless trips searching for a law firm that will drain your pockets. You can download a template anywhere regardless of time and location. Make your last will within the confines of your home and get peace of mind knowing your family members are covered when you die.

How to Write a Will in Illinois

The last will and testament form offered by our team has all the details to help you create and finalize your will. It has all the terms, explanations, and procedures of filling in and declaring your beneficiaries and revoking the will.

The document prompts the testator to enter several details and tick boxes with relevant information regarding the will.

The procedure of writing a last will is straightforward since the testator needs to follow the requirements and fill out the relevant information in the document.

  1. The first section requires all the testator’s particulars, such as full names, physical address, the residential City and County, plus other relevant sections regarding the taxes and expenses section.
  2. Nominating an executor is another vital aspect since you need someone to direct the disposition of your properties. Include details of your executor and an alternative individual if the primary executor is incapacitated at the time of death.
  3. The next section is the naming of beneficiaries, each with detailed information and the property you want to allocate. The beneficiary can be a spouse, child, friend, or any other individual that you want to bequeath a portion of your estate.
  4. Before you append any signature, you must carefully review all the sections and ensure that all the information is correct, and you are of sound mind while making the decision. Last wills can be revoked by the probate court if there is evidence that you acted under duress.

While reviewing the document, have your two witnesses standby as per the Illinois law, who will also append their signatures and particulars on the document. A testament affidavit is also essential in declaring that all the information in the will is valid.

What Happens If I Don’t Have a Last Will?

Those who die without a last will cannot be sure about the destiny of their property as the rule of thumb is to apply the Illinois intestate legislation. The first-priority heirs, in line with that legislation, are the deceased person’s spouse and children (if any). If there are no spouses and children, parents get the property, while in case of their absence or death, the siblings get the estate. In case nobody of these family members are alive, the state of Illinois can assign the deceased person’s estate to their maternal and paternal relatives. Otherwise, the estate is inherited by the state.

Download a PDF or Word Sample Illinois Will