lev-os Last Will and Testament
Draft a probate-ready testament mapping client intent to enforceable will language under the applicable state's formalities.
Quick Start
- Confirm testator identity, capacity, age, and domicile state.
- Collect family map (spouse, children, adopted/step, minors, excluded persons).
- Identify prior wills/codicils, trusts, POA, marriage agreements, beneficiary designations.
- Gather asset/liability inventory (real estate, business interests, personalty, digital assets, debts).
- Select fiduciaries: executor + alternate; guardian(s) for minors (person and estate if split).
- Confirm state execution rules: witness count, disqualifications, notarization, self-proving standard [VERIFY].
- Map risk preferences: spendthrift concerns, anti-lapse treatment, common-disaster clauses, contest exposure.
- Decide revocation strategy and compatibility with non-probate plans (trusts, TOD/POD, joint tenancies).
Core Workflow
Step 1 — Intake Validation
| Area | Collect | Pitfall |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Full legal names, addresses, domicile | Misspelled names, outdated details |
| Family | All children + minor care needs; step/adopted distinctions | Predeceased-child or future-child disputes |
| Fiduciaries | Executor + alternate; guardian of person/estate | No backup executor |
| Property | Specific gifts list + residue universe | Omitted assets causing intestacy spillover |
| Contingencies | Death-before-testator branches, survivorship periods | Gifts failing under predecease or simultaneous death |
| Tax/Costs | Debt, tax, admin-payment sequence | Hidden tax liabilities, creditor disputes |
| Non-Probate | Trust triggers, account beneficiary tags, ownership structures | Conflicting transfers or partial revocations |
Step 2 — Draft Will Sections
| Section | Must Include | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Revocation | Revokes all prior wills/codicils | Single clear supersession sentence |
| Funeral/Legacy | Optional memorial choices | Non-binding where desired |
| Executor | Appointment + alternates, authority scope, bond election | Broad statutory powers or explicit limits |
| Guardianship | Guardian of person/estate + alternates | Reasoned notes only if strategically useful |
| Debts & Expenses | Funeral, just debts, admin costs ordering | Align with state default rules |
| Specific Bequests | Itemized gifts with contingencies | Anti-ademption fallback where useful |
| Residuary Clause | Full residual distribution, percentages/classes | Fallback for predeceasing takers required |
| Per Stirpes/Capita | Choice and default mechanics | Plain-language explanation in parent clause |
| Distribution Protections | No-contest clause (jurisdictional check), survivorship period | Many states restrict [VERIFY] |
| Executor Powers | Sale, investment, retention, settlement authority | Preserve liquidity options |
| Finalization | Signature block, witnesses, notary, self-proving affidavit | Match state witness count/order [VERIFY] |
Step 3 — Assemble Execution Package
Produce the will in numbered-clause order:
- Revocation
- Executor and Personal Representative
- Guardianship of Minors
- Payment of Expenses, Debts, and Taxes
- Specific Bequests
- Residual Estate
- Contingent Distribution Scheme
- Powers of Executor
- Final Provisions
- Signature, Attestation, Self-Proving Affidavit
Step 4 — Compliance Checklist
Before finalizing, verify each item:
- All required fields populated (no
[TBD]placeholders) - Testator capacity language present
- Alternate fiduciary and guardian provisions included
- No-contest clause screened for state enforceability [VERIFY]
- Survivorship and per stirpes/per capita logic consistent
- State-specific execution formalities mapped [VERIFY]
- Self-proving block aligned to state statute [VERIFY]
- Revocation clause does not conflict with prior instruments
- Non-probate documents cross-referenced consistently
Formatting Rules
- Numbered clause order throughout.
- All legal names as
[full legal name]. - Complex bequests in two-column format: beneficiary / gift.
- Uncertain legal assumptions flagged in a dedicated section.
- Clean signature block with witness and notary placeholders.
Pitfalls
- No-contest clauses: Do not include by default in uncertain states; validate enforceability first [VERIFY].
- Tax guidance: Identify assumptions and election impacts only — never give tax avoidance assurances.
- Elective share / pretermitted heir / community property: Flag for attorney review when these materially alter distribution.
- Non-probate conflicts: Cross-check trusts, joint property, and beneficiary designations against will provisions.
- Contingencies: Always add branches for predeceased or disabled beneficiaries with alternate fiduciary/guardian chains.