Will (law) facts for kids

A will or testament is a special legal paper that explains what a person wants to happen after they die. People sometimes call it a "last will and testament."

Someone writes a will before they pass away. In it, they usually say what should happen to their estate (their money and belongings) after they are gone. A will can also include other important wishes, like:

• How they want their funeral to be.
• Who should take care of their young children (called a guardian).
• How to prevent arguments over their wishes.
• Giving gifts to charities or good causes.

When a person dies, their will might go through a process called probate. This means a special court checks the will to make sure it's real and then allows someone to carry out the person's wishes. This person might be called a personal representative, executor, or administrator, depending on the rules where the will is handled.

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