The Will Draft: Your First Step to Securing Your Family’s Future

Many people put off writing a will, thinking it’s complicated or unnecessary. But a well-drafted will is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can leave behind for your loved ones. At iwills.in, we make this process simple, secure, and entirely tailored to your needs.

What Is a Will?

A will is a legal document in which you declare who should receive your assets after your lifetime. It ensures your property, savings, investments, and valuables are distributed according to your wishes—without confusion or conflict. A will also lets you appoint an executor to carry out your instructions and a guardian for minor children if required.

Best Practices for Writing a Will

To ensure your will is legally valid and serves your wishes, here are some good practices every experienced lawyer follows in India:

• Use your full name, date of birth, and address for identification clarity.

• Clearly declare “this is my last will and testament,” revoking all previous wills if any.

• List and describe all your assets in detail—property, money, investments, jewelry—along with chosen beneficiaries.

• Appoint a trustworthy executor who will manage your estate after your demise.

• Mention a guardian for minor children, if relevant.

• Sign the will in the presence of at least two adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries.

• Date your will and have it signed everywhere it’s required.

• Update your will as your circumstances or wishes change.

• Consider mentioning a residuary clause for assets not specifically listed.

• Registration is optional, but may provide extra peace of mind for significant assets.

Sample Will Draft (Fill-in-the-Blanks)

Below is a simplified draft that follows all these best practices. This format shows how iwills.in approaches will creation, empowering you to see the process’s clarity and professionalism. 

Last Will and Testament of [Full Name of Testator]

This Will is made by me, [Full Name of Testator], son/daughter of [Father’s/Mother’s Name], born on [Date of Birth], resident at [Full Address], hereinafter referred to as the 'Testator.' I am of sound mind, free from any undue influence or coercion. I revoke all prior Wills and Codicils made by me at any time heretofore.

I. Declaration

I declare that this is my only true and valid Last Will and Testament, made on this [Date] at [Place].

II. Family Details

My family consists of:

• Spouse: [Name]

• Children: [Names and Dates of Birth]

• Parents: [Names, if living]

• Others: [e.g., Siblings, Dependents]
  
  

III. Appointment of Executor

I appoint [Full Name, Address & Age] as the Executor of this Will, authorising him/her to administer my estate, carry out the directions provided herein, and, if necessary, apply for probate in any competent court of law. In the event [Executor’s Name] is unable or unwilling to act, I appoint [Alternate Executor, Name & Address] as alternate Executor.

IV. Appointment of Trustee (if creating trusts for minors/beneficiaries)

I appoint [Trustee’s Full Name], [Relation], of [address], as the Trustee for managing the bequests specified herein for the benefit of my minor children or beneficiaries incapable of managing assets.

V. Appointment of Guardian for Minor Children

If at my death, my children [Names and Dates of Birth] are minors, I appoint [Name of Guardian, Address & Relation] as their guardian, responsible for their care, maintenance, and education until they attain majority.

VI. Bequests and Dispositions

1. Immovable Property
   a) I bequeath my residential property at [complete address, with property details, registration/khata, survey number] to my spouse [Name].

b) If my spouse predeceases me, or does not survive me by thirty (30) days, the property shall go equally to my children [Names] or, if any child predeceases me, to that child’s lawful heirs.

2. Other Real Estate
   I bequeath my property at [other property details—apartment, plot, commercial property, ancestral property, agricultural land, etc.] to [Beneficiary Name(s)], share as follows:

• [Details and percentage/share]
  If any beneficiary predeceases me, their share shall devolve to [Alternate Beneficiary/Other Directions].
  
  

3. Movable Assets
   a) I bequeath my bank accounts (Account Nos. and Bank Details), fixed deposits, and recurring deposits in [Branch] to [Beneficiary].
   b) My investments in shares, mutual funds, bonds, PPF, NSC, KVP at [specify institutions/folio numbers] shall vest in [Beneficiary Name(s)].
   c) My gold and jewelry [List with description], motor vehicles [Details with Registration Number], and valuable personal items shall be given to [Beneficiary Details].
   
   

4. Digital Assets
   I bequeath access and ownership of my digital assets (including but not limited to e-mail accounts, cloud drives, cryptocurrency/online wallets, and social media accounts) to [Name/Relation]. Relevant login credentials will be shared securely with the Executor.
   
   

5. Insurance Policies
   All sums payable under my insurance policies [Policy Numbers] from [Insurer Name] are to be released to [Nominee/Beneficiary Name(s)].
   
   

6. Business Interests/Partnerships
   My stake in [Company/Partnership/LLP, with details] shall devolve upon [Beneficiary], subject to the terms of partnership/company agreement. The Executor shall take necessary steps to ensure smooth transition or closure as appropriate.
   
   

7. Charitable Bequest
   I bequeath a sum of ₹[Amount] to [Name of Registered Charity/Trust/Temple], with instructions for use [purpose, if any].
   
   

8. Personal Belongings
   All my personal effects, household articles, books, works of art and collectibles (except those separately bequeathed) shall vest in [Spouse/Child/Other].
   
   

9. Contingent/Lapsed Legacies
   In the event any of my named beneficiaries predecease me or disclaim their inheritance, the respective asset/share shall devolve equally upon [Alternate Beneficiaries/Other Named Persons].
   
   

VII. Residuary Clause

All the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate of whatsoever description and wheresoever situation, not expressly disposed of in this Will, I bequeath absolutely unto [Name of Ultimate Beneficiary].

VIII. Payment of Debts, Taxes, Funeral Expenses

I direct my Executor to pay and discharge all my just debts, liabilities, credit card dues, loans, mortgages, and amounts payable under any court decree; all taxes, duties, and governmental dues including income tax, capital gains tax, and stamp duty; my funeral and cremation/burial expenses as per my faith and traditions; and all legal fees, professional charges, probate costs, and administration expenses of my estate. These payments shall be made first from my liquid assets (bank accounts, deposits, and cash); if insufficient, from movable assets (shares, investments, and jewelry); and if still insufficient, from immovable property. After meeting all these obligations in full, the remaining estate shall be distributed to my beneficiaries as bequeathed herein.

IX. Attestation Clause

This Will has been written by me. I have understood and voluntarily execute it, in the presence of the undersigned witnesses, both present at the same time, who witnessed my signing at my request and in my presence.

X. No Contest Clause

If any beneficiary of this Will contests, disputes, or challenges the validity or any provision of this Will, or files a suit or legal proceeding against my estate or any other beneficiary regarding the distribution of my assets, such contesting beneficiary shall forfeit and lose all rights to their bequest, gift, or inheritance. The entire share or bequest of the contesting beneficiary shall be forfeited and redistributed equally among the remaining beneficiaries who do not contest this Will, or if no such beneficiaries exist, shall devolve to my residuary estate. This clause shall not apply to any legal challenges brought by the Executor in their official capacity or in good faith by any beneficiary to establish fraud, undue influence, or lack of testamentary capacity, provided such challenges are made with probable cause and in good faith.

X. Revocation

I expressly revoke all previous Wills and Codicils made by me.

XI. Place & Date

Signed at [Place] on this [Day] of [Month], [Year].

Signature of Testator: [_______]

Witnesses
We, the undersigned, affirm that [Name of Testator], being of sound mind and understanding, willingly signed/affixed his/her signature in our presence. We sign as witnesses in his/her presence and of each other.

1. Name: [Full Name, Address, Occupation], Signature: [], Date: []
   
   

2. Name: [Full Name, Address, Occupation], Signature: [], Date: []
   
   

Expert Guidance for Your Peace of Mind

When you draft your Will through iwills.in, our team follows all these best practices, ensuring every possible scenario and asset type is addressed. You receive end-to-end legal support of the highest standard—equivalent to Supreme Court advocacy. Choose iwills.in for:

• Professionally structured, fully-customizable will drafts

• Confidential, secure handling of all your data and legal wishes

• Transparent process, digital convenience, and continual legal support
  
  

Your family’s future deserves nothing less than the best legal protection. Get started with iwills.in today and experience the confidence and assurance that comes from having a Supreme Court-style will—precise, valid, and tailored just for you.

Why Trust iwills.in?

When you choose iwills.in, , you get a will crafted to legal standards, based on proven legal best practices. Our streamlined approach means clear instructions, transparent pricing, and confidentiality at every step, all so you and your family can be confident about your legacy.