What is a District of Columbia Simple Last Will?

Legal Article

What is a District of Columbia Simple Last Will?

A District of Columbia simple last will is a testamentary document that provides a set of instructions, to both your family and to the District of Columbia probate court, on how you would like your District of Columbia estate to be handled. Most District of Columbia simple last wills provide clear instructions on how the testator, the person making a simple will, would like their property distributed after his or her death. In addition, a District of Columbia simple last will can also serve several other functions. In addition to directing how assets are to be distributed, a District of Columbia simple last will can also do the following things:

  • Name an executor or personal representative for their District of Columbia estate plan
  • Name guardians for minor children
  • Provide how debts and taxes are to be paid
  • Give instructions on how pets should be cared for
  • Name beneficiaries of the estate
  • Specify how assets are to be distributed
  • Make your wishes known

Why Do I Need a District of Columbia Simple Last Will?

Creating a District of Columbia simple last will is a quick way to ensure that your assets are distributed exactly the way you would like after you pass. A simple will gives you the power to decide how you would like valuable family heirlooms to be distributed amongst your beneficiaries.  In addition, you can use a simple last will to provide for close friends, important charitable organizations, and for your church or other religious organization in the District of Columbia. Often individuals will also use their simple last will to give a gift to their high school, college or their university. Perhaps most importantly, having a simple last will ensures that your estate is distributed exactly the way you would like.