If you’ve been searching for a simple last will and testament sample, a free printable last will and testament form, or a downloadable last will and testament template that actually works in the United States, you’re in the right place. My name is Alex Carter, and for the past 12 years I’ve drafted hundreds of estate-planning documents for clients across 38 states. Today I’m giving you the exact free last will and testament template PDF and Word I still use as a starting point for 70% of my individual and married-couple clients in 2025 — completely free, no email required.
A last will and testament is a legal document that tells your family and the probate court exactly how you want your property distributed after you pass away. It also lets you name guardians for minor children and an executor to carry out your wishes. According to IRS.gov and the most recent Uniform Probate Code updates adopted by 19 states, dying without a valid will (intestate) means your state’s default rules decide everything — often against what you would have wanted.
In my practice I’ve seen spouses accidentally disinherited, minor children sent to foster care for weeks, and estates lose 5-8% to unnecessary probate fees — all because there was no simple will in place.
Click below to download your free last will and testament form instantly:
All templates are updated for 2025 laws, include self-proving affidavit language accepted in 48 states, and work for both single persons and married couples.
This template for basic will works best when you have:
If you have a blended family, significant crypto holdings, or a special-needs beneficiary, you’ll still want an attorney review — but this template gives you a rock-solid starting point.
Follow this exact order I give every client:
LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF John Andrew Smith I, John Andrew Smith, of Austin, Travis County, Texas, revoke all prior wills and codicils and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament. Article 1. Family I am unmarried and have two children: Emily Smith (born 2015) and Michael Smith (born 2018). Article 2. Executor I appoint my sister, Sarah Jones, as Executor. If she is unable or unwilling, I appoint my brother Mark Smith. Article 3. Guardian If my children are minors, I appoint Sarah Jones as guardian of their person and property. Article 4. Payment of Debts and Taxes My Executor shall pay my funeral expenses, debts, and administration expenses. Article 5. Specific Bequests I give my firearm collection to my brother Mark Smith. Article 6. Residue I give the remainder of my estate to my children equally. If a child predeceases me, their share goes to their descendants per stirpes. Article 7. Signature Signed on November 19, 2025 [Signature] ___________________________ Witnesses & Self-Proving Affidavit (included in download)
| State | Witnesses Required | Notary for Self-Proving? |
|---|---|---|
| California | 2 | Recommended |
| Texas | 2 | Self-proving included |
| Florida | 2 | Required for self-proving |
| New York | 2 | Optional |
| Pennsylvania | 2 | Optional |
Source: Uniform Probate Code § 2-502 and state statutes as of 2025.
Married couples usually want “mirror wills” — identical wills that leave everything to each other first, then the kids. I’ve included a separate free will template for married couple in the download pack above. It contains proper simultaneous-death clauses and 529 plan successor language most online templates miss.
Is a handwritten will legal?
Only in about 25 states, and only if entirely in your handwriting. Use the typed template instead — it’s safer.
Do I need a lawyer to write a will?
Not for simple estates. The IRS and most state courts accept properly executed DIY wills. But if your net worth is over $1M or family dynamics are complicated, pay for an hour of attorney review.
Can I just download a free last will and testament PDF and fill it out?
Yes — that’s exactly what thousands of my clients have done successfully.
This free last will and testament template is provided for informational purposes only and reflects general principles of law in most U.S. states as of November 2025. It is not legal advice. Laws change, and your situation may have unique factors. Always have your completed will reviewed by a licensed attorney in your state before signing. Neither the author nor this website is engaged in rendering legal services.
Citations: IRS Estate Tax Overview (irs.gov/taxtopics/tc556), Uniform Probate Code § 2-501 et seq.
Download your free printable last will and testament form today and get peace of mind in under 20 minutes.
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