Will (law) facts for kids

A will or testament is a legal document that explains the last wishes of someone after they die. It is sometimes called a "last will and testament".

A person writes a will and testament before they die, and usually writes what they want to happen to their estate (money and their things) after they die. A will may also provide for other issues including,

• Stating preferences for funeral arrangements,
• Designating a guardian for a minor child,
• Preventing will contests, and
• Making gifts to charities.

When a person passes away, the person's will may be probated, meaning that a probate court will authorize a representative to carry out the deceased person's wishes. Depending upon where probate occurs, the representative may be called a personal representative, executor or administrator.

Images for kids

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  Last will and testament of Tennessee Williams

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  Muhammad Ali Jinnah's will, excerpt

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  Alfred Nobel's will.

See also

In Spanish: Testamento para niños