What is a will?

A will is a legal document that sets out how a person’s assets are to be distributed after death. In the state of Illinois, a will must be formally written and signed in the presence of two witnesses. It must also be signed by the person making the will, known as the “testator.” A will is not just a way for a person to name their beneficiaries; it can also be used to select a court-appointed guardian to take care of his or her minor children, to make specific bequests to individuals, and to provide instructions regarding funeral arrangements. A will can be changed at any time, as long as the testator is mentally competent. However, if the executor of the will dies without changing or revoking it, the original document is still valid. It is important to provide clear instructions in the will, as the court will carry out the wishes of the testator as closely as possible. If a will is challenged in court, the validity of the document and the testator’s intent will be carefully examined. In short, a will is an important legal document that outlines how a person’s assets are to be distributed and the care of any minor children. It is important for an individual to make sure that his or her will is properly written and up-to-date.

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