Folio

Notes on wills and estate planning.

Plain-English guides to writing a will, understanding intestate succession, navigating probate, and meeting state-specific requirements. Not legal advice — just the information most people need to get a valid will done.

A reminder. This information is general reference only and is not legal advice. Laws change — always verify current requirements with a licensed attorney in your state.

Fundamentals

Wills, Planning, and Mistakes

The fundamentals — who needs a will, how to write one, and what commonly goes wrong.

Basics · 7 min read

Do I Need a Will If I Don't Own Much?

The 'I don't own enough to need a will' myth is the single biggest reason Americans die intestate. Here's why it's wrong, and what actually happens when you skip a will.

Basics · 8 min read

What Happens If You Die Without a Will? Intestate Succession Explained

If you die without a will, your state decides where your stuff goes. Here's how intestate succession actually works, and who typically inherits what.

Process · 9 min read

How to Write a Will for Free (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)

You don't need a lawyer or $500 to write a valid simple will. Here's the step-by-step process, the tools that work, and the legal requirements you actually have to meet.

Process · 7 min read

Do I Need a Lawyer to Make a Will?

Honest answer: most people don't need a lawyer for a simple will. Here's who genuinely does, who doesn't, and how to tell which category you're in.

Mistakes · 7 min read

Common Mistakes That Invalidate a Will

A will is only useful if it holds up in court. Here are the most common mistakes that get otherwise good wills thrown out — and how to avoid each one.

By state

How to Write a Will in Every State

State-specific guides covering requirements, witnesses, notarization, and signing rules for all 50 states + DC.

Are Wills Filed With the State? What the Law Actually RequiresHow to write a will

California Wills: What Makes One Legally Valid (2026 Guide)How to write a will

Florida Statute 732.502: How to Sign a Valid Will in FloridaHow to write a will

AlabamaHow to write a will

AlaskaHow to write a will

ArizonaHow to write a will

ArkansasHow to write a will

CaliforniaHow to write a will

ColoradoHow to write a will

ConnecticutHow to write a will

DelawareHow to write a will

District of ColumbiaHow to write a will

FloridaHow to write a will

GeorgiaHow to write a will

HawaiiHow to write a will

IdahoHow to write a will

IllinoisHow to write a will

IndianaHow to write a will

IowaHow to write a will

KansasHow to write a will

KentuckyHow to write a will

LouisianaHow to write a will

MaineHow to write a will

MarylandHow to write a will

MassachusettsHow to write a will

MichiganHow to write a will

MinnesotaHow to write a will

MississippiHow to write a will

MissouriHow to write a will

MontanaHow to write a will

NebraskaHow to write a will

NevadaHow to write a will

New HampshireHow to write a will

New JerseyHow to write a will

New MexicoHow to write a will

New YorkHow to write a will

North CarolinaHow to write a will

North DakotaHow to write a will

OhioHow to write a will

OklahomaHow to write a will

OregonHow to write a will

PennsylvaniaHow to write a will

Rhode IslandHow to write a will

South CarolinaHow to write a will

South DakotaHow to write a will

TennesseeHow to write a will

TexasHow to write a will

UtahHow to write a will

VermontHow to write a will

VirginiaHow to write a will

WashingtonHow to write a will

West VirginiaHow to write a will

WisconsinHow to write a will

WyomingHow to write a will

Traditional vs. Holographic Wills in New York: What Each One RequiresHow to write a will

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