Sample Will: What Does a Will Look Like? Simple Examples & Key Clauses
Sample Will: What Does a Will Look Like?
If you have never seen a Last Will and Testament, you may wonder what one actually looks like.
Does it contain pages of complicated legal language? Does it need a specific format? What information appears at the beginning? Where are the beneficiaries listed? Where does the executor sign?
A sample will can help answer those questions.
A typical will may contain sections identifying the person making the will, revoking previous wills, naming beneficiaries, appointing an executor, addressing property distribution, and providing signature and witness provisions.
But there is an important distinction between seeing an example of a will and having a legally valid will.
A sample is designed to help you understand structure and terminology. It is not automatically a document you can copy, sign, and assume will be valid in your state.
Nolo’s current sample-will resource makes this point clearly: a sample will is an illustration of what a will could look like, and an individual’s actual document should be tailored to the person’s circumstances and applicable state law.
Important: The examples in this article are educational illustrations. They are not a universal legal form and should not be treated as a substitute for state-specific legal advice.
Simple Sample Will Structure
A basic will might be organized roughly like this:
- Title
- Identification of the testator
- Declaration that the document is the person’s will
- Revocation of previous wills
- Identification of spouse or children, where relevant
- Appointment of executor
- Specific gifts
- Distribution of the remaining estate
- Alternate beneficiaries
- Guardian nomination, where applicable
- Payment of debts and expenses
- Executor powers, where appropriate
- General or protective provisions
- Signature
- Witness provisions
Not every will needs every section.
The appropriate structure depends on the person’s circumstances and the laws of the jurisdiction.
A simple will may be relatively short, while a more complicated testamentary document can contain substantially more provisions.
Example of a Simple Will
Here is a fictional sample will designed to demonstrate the general structure and wording that may appear in a basic Last Will and Testament.
It is deliberately simplified.
SAMPLE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
Last Will and Testament of Jordan Taylor
I, Jordan Taylor, a resident of [State], declare this document to be my Last Will and Testament.
1. Revocation of Previous Wills
I revoke all previous wills and testamentary dispositions made by me.
2. Family Information
I am married to Alex Taylor.
My children are:
- Morgan Taylor
- Casey Taylor
3. Appointment of Executor
I nominate Alex Taylor to serve as Executor of my estate.
If Alex Taylor is unable or unwilling to serve, I nominate Morgan Taylor as successor Executor.
4. Specific Gift
I give my personal vehicle, if owned by me at the time of my death, to Casey Taylor, subject to applicable law and any valid obligations affecting the vehicle.
5. Distribution of Remaining Estate
I give the remainder of my estate to Alex Taylor, if Alex Taylor survives me.
If Alex Taylor does not survive me, I give the remainder of my estate in equal shares to my children, Morgan Taylor and Casey Taylor, who survive me.
6. Guardian Nomination
If I am the parent or legal guardian of a minor child at the time of my death, I nominate [Name] to serve as guardian, subject to applicable law and court approval.
7. Payment of Expenses
I direct my Executor to pay legally enforceable debts, expenses, and taxes of my estate from estate assets as permitted by applicable law.
8. Executor Powers
My Executor shall have the powers provided by applicable law to administer, preserve, manage, and distribute my estate.
9. Signature
I sign this document as my Last Will and Testament on:
Date: ______________________
Signature: ______________________
Jordan Taylor
10. Witnesses
We declare that Jordan Taylor signed or acknowledged this document as Jordan Taylor’s Last Will and Testament in our presence and that we sign as witnesses as required by applicable law.
Witness 1
Name: ______________________
Signature: ______________________
Date: ______________________
Witness 2
Name: ______________________
Signature: ______________________
Date: ______________________
Again, this is an illustrative sample, not a ready-to-sign legal document.
Actual requirements concerning witnesses, notarization, self-proving affidavits, electronic wills, handwritten wills, and other formalities depend on the jurisdiction.
Understanding the Sample Will Wording
The value of a sample will is not simply seeing the finished document.
It is understanding why the different sections exist.
Let’s break down the major clauses.
1. Testator Identification
The person making a will is commonly called the testator.
The opening section identifies that person and establishes that the document is intended to operate as their will.
For example:
“I, Jordan Taylor, a resident of [State], declare this document to be my Last Will and Testament.”
The purpose is to clearly identify the person making the testamentary document.
2. Revocation of Previous Wills
A will commonly contains language stating that previous wills are revoked.
A typical clause might say:
“I revoke all previous wills and testamentary dispositions made by me.”
This helps establish which document is intended to govern.
Nolo’s sample will includes a revocation provision explaining that the clause identifies the document intended to be used rather than an earlier will or codicil.
The exact effect of revocation can depend on the circumstances and applicable law.
3. Family Information
A will may identify:
- Spouse
- Children
- Other close family members
This can make later references clearer.
For example:
“I am married to Alex Taylor.”
and:
“My children are Morgan Taylor and Casey Taylor.”
Family information can become especially important where the will intentionally leaves property differently among family members.
4. Executor Clause
The executor is the person nominated to handle the estate administration.
A sample will might say:
“I nominate Alex Taylor to serve as Executor of my estate.”
It is also common to identify an alternate executor in case the first person cannot or will not serve.
For example:
“If Alex Taylor is unable or unwilling to serve, I nominate Morgan Taylor as successor Executor.”
The appointment does not necessarily mean the person can immediately act without any court process.
Depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances, the nominated executor may need to be formally appointed or receive legal authority from the probate court.
5. Specific Gift Clause
A specific gift identifies a particular item or amount to be given to a particular beneficiary.
For example:
“I give my personal vehicle to Casey Taylor.”
A specific gift should be drafted carefully.
If the person no longer owns the property at death, the gift may not operate as originally intended.
Other issues can arise when property is sold, replaced, transferred, encumbered, or otherwise changed.
6. Residuary Clause
The residuary estate generally refers to property remaining after specific gifts, expenses, debts, and other applicable dispositions have been addressed.
A sample clause might say:
“I give the remainder of my estate to Alex Taylor.”
This provision is particularly important because not every asset can be listed individually.
A residuary clause helps determine what happens to property not otherwise specifically distributed through the will.
7. Alternate Beneficiary Clause
A will may identify what happens if the primary beneficiary dies before the testator.
For example:
“If Alex Taylor does not survive me, I give the remainder of my estate to my surviving children in equal shares.”
This type of provision can prevent uncertainty when the primary beneficiary cannot inherit.
The exact wording and legal effect should be reviewed under applicable law.
8. Guardian Nomination
A parent may use a will to nominate a preferred guardian for minor children where state law permits.
For example:
“I nominate [Name] to serve as guardian of my minor child.”
However, a nomination is not necessarily an automatic court appointment.
The court may still have to determine guardianship under applicable law.
This section is therefore different from simply naming a beneficiary.
Sample Will for a Single Person
A sample will for a single person can be simpler because there may be no spouse to address.
A fictional example might look like this:
SAMPLE WILL FOR A SINGLE PERSON
Last Will and Testament of Taylor Morgan
I, Taylor Morgan, a resident of [State], declare this document to be my Last Will and Testament and revoke all prior wills and testamentary dispositions made by me.
I nominate Jordan Lee to serve as Executor of my estate. If Jordan Lee is unable or unwilling to serve, I nominate Casey Lee as successor Executor.
I give my personal vehicle to Alex Morgan, if Alex Morgan survives me.
I give the remainder of my estate to Jordan Morgan.
If Jordan Morgan does not survive me, I give the remainder of my estate to Casey Morgan.
I nominate [Name] as guardian of any minor child of mine, subject to applicable law and court approval.
I direct my Executor to administer my estate and pay legally enforceable debts and expenses as permitted by applicable law.
Signed on this ____ day of ________, 20.
Signature: ______________________
Taylor Morgan
Witness 1: ______________________
Witness 2: ______________________
This illustrates how a single person’s will may be structured around beneficiaries, an executor, alternate beneficiaries, and other relevant provisions.
It should not be assumed that every single person needs exactly these clauses.
Sample Will for a Married Person
A married person’s will may include provisions dealing specifically with a spouse.
For example:
“I give the remainder of my estate to my spouse, Alex Taylor, if Alex Taylor survives me.”
The will might then identify what happens if the spouse dies first.
For example:
“If my spouse does not survive me, I give the remainder of my estate in equal shares to my surviving children.”
This illustrates an important drafting principle:
Do not stop at the primary beneficiary. Think about what happens if that person cannot inherit.
The actual provisions needed depend on the family structure, property ownership, beneficiary arrangements, and state law.
Example of a Will With Children
A parent may use a will to address both property distribution and guardianship nominations.
A simplified example could include:
“I nominate Jordan Smith to serve as guardian of my minor children if a guardian is required, subject to applicable law.”
The will could then provide:
“I give the residue of my estate in equal shares to my children who survive me.”
A parent may also need to consider how property inherited by minor children will be managed.
That is one reason a simple-looking will can become more complicated when minor children are involved.
Example of Last Will and Testament With Specific Gifts
Suppose someone wants to leave particular belongings to particular people.
A simplified sample might say:
“I give my collection of paintings to Alex Brown.”
and:
“I give my grandfather’s watch to Jordan Brown.”
Then the residuary clause could provide:
“I give all remaining property of my estate to Casey Brown.”
This creates a basic distinction between:
Specific gift:
A particular item or amount goes to a particular beneficiary.
Residuary gift:
Remaining property goes to the beneficiary identified in the residuary clause.
The actual drafting should account for what happens if the property no longer exists or the beneficiary dies first.
Sample Will Wording for an Executor
A common question when looking at an example of a will is what language is used to appoint an executor.
A simplified example is:
“I nominate Jordan Smith to serve as Executor of my estate.”
An alternate can be added:
“If Jordan Smith is unable or unwilling to serve, I nominate Casey Smith as successor Executor.”
This structure gives the estate a backup candidate.
However, the person nominated in the will may still need to complete the jurisdiction’s probate or appointment process before exercising the full authority of an executor.
Sample Will Wording for Beneficiaries
Beneficiary provisions can be written in different ways.
A simple example:
“I give my personal savings account to Alex Smith.”
A residuary example:
“I give the remainder of my estate to Alex Smith.”
A shared-beneficiary example:
“I give the residue of my estate in equal shares to Alex Smith and Jordan Smith.”
The precise wording matters.
For example, you may need to clarify what happens if one beneficiary dies before you.
A sample will can demonstrate the concept, but it cannot determine the correct language for every family or asset situation.
Sample Will Wording for Alternate Beneficiaries
An alternate beneficiary clause can address what happens when the first beneficiary cannot inherit.
For example:
“If Alex Smith does not survive me, I give the property to Jordan Smith.”
Or:
“If Alex Smith does not survive me, I give the residue of my estate in equal shares to my surviving children.”
These clauses can become particularly important when there is a significant age difference between beneficiaries or when the testator wants to plan for several possible outcomes.
What Does a Will Look Like When It Is Complete?
A completed will generally looks like a formal legal document rather than an informal letter.
It may contain:
- A title
- Numbered sections
- Defined terms
- Beneficiary provisions
- Executor provisions
- Signature pages
- Witness statements
- Notarial or self-proving provisions where applicable
The appearance itself, however, does not determine whether the document is legally valid.
A beautifully formatted document can still fail to satisfy legal requirements.
Conversely, a relatively plain document may be legally effective if it satisfies the applicable law.
Nolo emphasizes that there is no single universal sample that works for everyone and that a will should reflect the person’s circumstances and state law.
What Information Usually Appears in a Sample Will?
When reviewing a sample, look for these categories.
Personal Information
The document may identify:
- Full legal name
- State of residence
- Marital status
- Children
Executor Information
It may identify:
- Primary executor
- Alternate executor
Beneficiary Information
It may identify:
- Primary beneficiaries
- Alternate beneficiaries
- Specific gifts
- Residuary beneficiaries
Guardianship Information
Where relevant, it may contain:
- Guardian nomination
- Alternate guardian
- Provisions concerning property for minor children
Administrative Provisions
These may concern:
- Debts
- Expenses
- Taxes
- Executor powers
- Other estate-administration matters
Execution Provisions
The final section commonly deals with:
- Testator’s signature
- Date
- Witness signatures
- Notary or self-proving provisions where applicable
What Should a Simple Will Include?
A simple will generally focuses on straightforward testamentary objectives.
Depending on the circumstances, a basic will may:
- Identify the testator
- Name beneficiaries
- Name an executor
- Name alternate beneficiaries
- Nominate a guardian for minor children
- Address specific gifts
- Distribute the residue
- Include required execution provisions
Nolo notes that a basic will can accomplish common objectives such as leaving property to chosen beneficiaries, naming guardians, and appointing an executor.
But “simple” does not mean “one-size-fits-all.”
A basic will may be appropriate for one person but inadequate for another.
Sample Will PDF: What Should You Check?
People frequently search for a sample will PDF because PDF documents are convenient to view and print.
But downloading a PDF is not the same as obtaining a legally appropriate will.
Before relying on any sample PDF, consider:
1. What State Is It Designed For?
Will requirements differ by jurisdiction.
2. Who Prepared It?
Look for a credible legal publisher or professional source.
3. Is It an Example or an Actual Form?
Some documents are specifically educational examples.
Others are designed to be completed.
Do not confuse the two.
4. Does It Explain Execution Requirements?
A document may contain appropriate wording but still fail if it is not executed correctly.
5. Does It Address Your Situation?
A sample for a married person with children may not be appropriate for a single person with no children.
6. Is It Current?
Legal forms and requirements can change.
Current resources should be preferred over undated documents.
Why You Should Not Simply Copy a Sample Will
A sample will can be extremely useful for learning.
But copying one word-for-word can create problems.
A sample may assume:
- A particular state
- A particular family structure
- Particular assets
- Particular beneficiary arrangements
- Particular executor arrangements
- Specific execution requirements
Your circumstances may be completely different.
Nolo specifically warns readers not to use its sample will by simply changing names and information because the resulting document may not comply with state law or address the person’s estate-planning needs.
The better use of a sample is to understand:
What sections exist?
What does each section accomplish?
Which provisions might be relevant to my situation?
Sample Will vs. Will Template
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not always identical.
Sample Will
A sample will primarily demonstrates what a completed will may look like.
It is useful for:
- Understanding structure
- Seeing example wording
- Learning terminology
- Identifying common clauses
Will Template
A template is generally designed to provide a framework that someone can complete.
A template may include blank fields or prompts.
The distinction matters because an educational sample is not necessarily designed to be completed and signed.
Nolo’s current guidance on will templates similarly emphasizes that quality templates should provide clear instructions, explain options, and help users identify when professional legal assistance may be appropriate.
Sample Will vs. Statutory Will Form
Some states provide statutory will forms.
A statutory form is different from a generic internet sample.
A statutory form is created under state law and is intended to satisfy specific statutory requirements when properly completed and executed.
That does not mean every state’s statutory form works everywhere.
If a state provides a statutory will, its instructions and eligibility requirements should be reviewed carefully.
Sample Will and Probate
A sample will can also help readers understand what documents may eventually be reviewed during probate.
However, the existence of a will does not automatically mean every asset must pass through probate.
Certain assets may pass through other mechanisms, including beneficiary designations or joint ownership.
Nolo explains that property arranged to pass by another method generally is not controlled by the will.
Therefore, when reviewing a sample will, do not assume that simply listing an asset in the document determines how that asset will ultimately transfer.
Property That May Not Be Controlled by a Will
This is an important practical point.
A person may own:
- Retirement accounts
- Life insurance
- Jointly owned property
- Certain bank or investment accounts
- Assets held in a trust
Depending on the ownership structure and beneficiary designation, those assets may pass outside the will.
Nolo specifically notes that retirement accounts with designated beneficiaries and certain other assets may not pass through the will.
That is why a sample will should be viewed as one component of testamentary planning—not as a complete inventory of every asset-transfer mechanism.
Common Mistakes When Using a Sample Will
Mistake 1: Copying the Entire Document
A sample is not necessarily appropriate for your circumstances.
Mistake 2: Ignoring State Law
Execution requirements vary.
Mistake 3: Forgetting Alternate Beneficiaries
A beneficiary may die before the testator.
Mistake 4: Naming Only One Executor
If the first choice cannot serve, a backup may be useful.
Mistake 5: Listing Every Asset Without Understanding How It Passes
Some property may transfer outside the will.
Mistake 6: Using Vague Beneficiary Descriptions
Beneficiaries should be identified clearly enough to reduce uncertainty.
Mistake 7: Treating a Sample PDF as a Finished Legal Document
A downloadable document is not automatically legally valid.
Mistake 8: Ignoring Execution Formalities
Signing and witnessing requirements can be critical.
Mistake 9: Failing to Update the Will
Major life changes can make an old will inconsistent with current intentions.
How to Read a Sample Will Like a Legal Document
Instead of reading only the sentences, ask what each clause accomplishes.
For example:
“I nominate…”
→ Who is being appointed?
“I give…”
→ What property is being transferred?
“If ___ does not survive me…”
→ What happens if the beneficiary dies first?
“I give the residue…”
→ Who receives property not otherwise specifically distributed?
“I revoke…”
→ What happens to earlier wills?
“I nominate ___ as guardian…”
→ Who is being proposed to care for minor children?
This approach makes a sample much more useful.
You are not simply looking at legal wording.
You are learning the function of each provision.
When a Sample Will May Not Be Enough
A basic sample may be inadequate when the person’s circumstances are complicated.
Examples can include:
- Significant business interests
- Multiple marriages
- Complex family relationships
- Potential disputes among beneficiaries
- A desire to disinherit someone
- Significant property in multiple jurisdictions
- Complex arrangements for minor beneficiaries
- Concerns about will contests
- Significant estate-tax considerations
Nolo similarly identifies circumstances such as potential will challenges, disinheritance, long-term control of property, and estate-tax concerns as situations where professional legal advice may be appropriate.
The point is not that every complicated situation requires the same solution.
The point is that a generic sample cannot account for facts it does not know.
Should a Sample Will Include Personal Explanations?
Usually, a formal will should focus on its legal and testamentary functions.
People sometimes want to explain why they made certain decisions.
For example:
“I am leaving less property to my son because…”
That kind of explanation may create unnecessary complications if inserted directly into the legal provisions.
Nolo recommends using a separate explanatory letter for personal explanations rather than adding unnecessary personal statements to the will itself.
This creates an important distinction:
Will: Formal legal instructions.
Personal letter: Optional explanation, sentiments, or practical information that does not attempt to change the legal effect of the will.
What a Sample Will Cannot Tell You
A generic example cannot tell you:
- Whether your state recognizes a particular provision
- Whether your witnesses qualify
- Whether notarization is required or useful
- Whether a handwritten will is valid
- Whether a beneficiary designation overrides a will
- Whether your estate requires additional documents
- Whether your family circumstances create special legal concerns
Those questions require jurisdiction-specific analysis.
That is why a sample should be treated as an educational map, not a universal answer.
Sample Will Checklist
When reviewing a sample will, use this checklist:
- ☐ Is the testator clearly identified?
- ☐ Does the document identify that it is intended to be a will?
- ☐ Does it address previous wills?
- ☐ Is the executor identified?
- ☐ Is an alternate executor identified?
- ☐ Are beneficiaries clearly identified?
- ☐ Are alternate beneficiaries considered?
- ☐ Are specific gifts clearly described?
- ☐ Is the residuary estate addressed?
- ☐ Are minor children addressed where relevant?
- ☐ Is a guardian nomination included where appropriate?
- ☐ Are debts and expenses addressed where appropriate?
- ☐ Are signature provisions included?
- ☐ Are witness requirements addressed?
- ☐ Are state-specific formalities satisfied?
This checklist is for reviewing the structure of an example, not for independently determining legal validity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sample Wills
What is a sample will?
A sample will is an illustrative example showing how a Last Will and Testament may be structured and what types of clauses it may contain.
What does a will look like?
A will commonly contains identification of the testator, revocation provisions, beneficiary instructions, executor provisions, property-distribution clauses, and signature and witness sections. The exact structure varies by circumstances and jurisdiction.
Can I copy a sample will and use it?
You should not assume that you can simply copy a sample, change the names, and sign it. A sample may not comply with your state’s requirements or address your particular circumstances.
Where can I find a sample will PDF?
Legal publishers and state authorities may provide examples or forms. When evaluating a PDF, determine whether it is an educational sample or an actual state-specific form and check when it was last updated.
What should a simple will include?
A simple will may identify beneficiaries, appoint an executor, distribute property, nominate a guardian where relevant, and contain the required execution provisions.
Is a sample will the same as a will template?
Not necessarily. A sample generally demonstrates what a completed will may look like, while a template is usually designed to be completed by the user.
What is the difference between a sample will and an example of a will?
In practice, the terms are often used similarly. Both generally refer to an illustrative document showing the structure or wording of a will.
Does every will have the same wording?
No. There is no universal wording that is appropriate for every person or jurisdiction.
Does a will need an executor?
A will commonly nominates an executor, but the precise legal requirements and consequences of not naming one vary by state.
Does a sample will need witnesses?
The execution requirements depend on applicable state law. Many jurisdictions require witnesses for an ordinary formal will, but the number and qualifications of witnesses can vary.
Does a sample will need to be notarized?
Not necessarily. Notarization requirements vary, and a notary may serve a different purpose from witnessing the will itself. Whether notarization is required, optional, or useful depends on state law.
Can a sample will distribute everything I own?
A properly drafted residuary clause can address property remaining after specific dispositions, but not every asset necessarily passes through a will. Some property may transfer through beneficiary designations, joint ownership, trusts, or other mechanisms.
Final Takeaway
A sample will is most useful when you use it to understand the structure and purpose of a Last Will and Testament.
A typical example may include:
- Testator identification
- Revocation of previous wills
- Family information
- Executor appointment
- Specific gifts
- Residuary distribution
- Alternate beneficiaries
- Guardian nomination
- Administrative provisions
- Signature and witness sections
But the most important lesson is this:
A sample shows you what a will may look like; it does not automatically give you a legally valid will for your situation.
Different states have different rules. Different families have different needs. Different assets can pass through different legal mechanisms.
For that reason, a sample should be treated as an educational reference rather than a document to copy blindly.
If your situation is straightforward, a properly designed state-specific will resource may provide a useful starting point. If your circumstances involve complicated family relationships, significant assets, business interests, potential disputes, or other legal concerns, individualized professional advice may be appropriate.
WillMastery provides educational information about Last Will and Testament matters, probate, letters of testamentary, letters of administration, and related estate procedures. Our goal is to make complicated legal concepts easier to understand without presenting generic information as individualized legal advice.
Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Will requirements, execution formalities, probate procedures, and estate laws vary by jurisdiction and can change over time.