Arizona Last Will

📄 Download the Arizona Last Will and Testament PDF

❓ What Is a Last Will and Testament?

A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that allows you to:

• Decide who inherits your belongings (your beneficiaries)

• Choose a person to carry out your wishes (your executor)

• Appoint guardians for minor children or dependents

• Make gifts to charities or others

• Prevent family disputes by making your wishes clear

This document only takes legal effect after your death. It can be changed or replaced at any time while you're alive.

🧭 Step-by-Step Instructions

Section 1: Declaration

What it asks:

• Your name and address

• A statement that this is your last will

• A statement that you are of sound mind

Helpful Tip: This section confirms that you are making this will voluntarily and understand its meaning.

Section 2: Family Information

What it asks:

• Spouse’s name (if applicable)

• Children’s names

Helpful Tip: This information provides context. It doesn’t give or restrict inheritance unless you specifically do so in later sections.

Section 3: Appointment of Executor

What it asks:

• The name of the person you want to manage your estate after your death (the executor)

• A backup executor (optional)

Helpful Tip: Choose someone responsible and organized. They’ll file the will with probate court and handle assets, debts, and distributions.

Section 4: Disposition of Property (Gifts and Bequests)

What it asks: You’ll list:

• The names of people or organizations you want to receive property

• Specific gifts (e.g. a car, jewelry, money)

• Who gets the rest of your estate (residue) after specific gifts are made

Helpful Tip: Be clear and specific. Use full legal names and describe property so it’s easy to identify.

Example:

“I give my 2017 Honda Accord to my nephew, James Thomas, residing in Mesa, Arizona.”

Section 5: Guardianship (if applicable)

What it asks:

• If you have minor children, who do you want to raise them?

Helpful Tip: Discuss this with the person in advance to confirm they are willing to serve.

Section 6: Binding Arrangement and Other Clauses

What it asks: These sections usually include standard legal language that:

• Reaffirms your choices

• States that previous wills are revoked

• Confirms the executor’s powers

Helpful Tip: You don’t need to modify this language unless you have special legal requirements.

Section 7: Signatures and Witnesses

What it asks:

• Your signature and the date

• Two witnesses' names, signatures, and addresses

• A self-proving affidavit with a notary (optional but highly recommended in Arizona)

Helpful Tip: Witnesses must not be people who are receiving anything from your will. A notarized self-proving affidavit helps avoid delays in court later.

✅ After You Complete the Form

1. Make It Official Sign the form in front of two qualified witnesses (and a notary, if you want it self-proven).

2. Store It Safely Keep the original in a secure but accessible place. Share copies with:

   • Your executor

   • An attorney, if you have one

   • Trusted family members

3. Review It Regularly Revisit your will after major life changes:

   • Marriage, divorce, birth of a child

   • Death of a beneficiary or executor

   • Changes in assets

4. Don’t Forget Digital Accounts Consider including a letter of instruction (separate from the will) with login info for accounts, subscriptions, and digital assets.

🛠️ Need Help?

We’re here to help you understand, complete, and store your will. Reach out if you’d like step-by-step support or help coordinating with your loved ones.