Last Will and Testament (Simple) Format & Template
Wills & Succession · ₹50 · ~12 min · Sign in free, fill the guided form with a live preview, pay to download.
What is a Last Will and Testament (Simple)?
A will is a written declaration of how a person (the testator) wants their property distributed after death, and who should carry out those wishes (the executor). A clear will avoids disputes among family members and saves heirs a long succession process.
For most people in India, a will is governed by the Indian Succession Act, 1925: it must be signed by the testator and attested by two witnesses who see the testator sign. No stamp duty is payable, and registration is optional though often advisable. Muslims’ wills are governed by Muslim personal law, which generally limits a bequest to one-third of the estate without the heirs’ consent.
When to use it
- You want to decide who receives your house, savings, investments and other assets.
- You want to provide for a spouse, a dependent parent or a child with special needs.
- You want to appoint an executor you trust to handle your estate.
- Your circumstances have changed — marriage, children, a new property — and you have no will yet.
What you'll need
Keep these details ready — the form asks for them in this order.
Testator
Your full name · Son/daughter/wife/husband of (optional) · Your address · Your age · Personal law that applies to you (optional)
Executor
Executor's full name · Executor’s relationship to you (optional) · Executor's address · Alternate executor’s full name (optional) · Alternate executor’s address (optional)
Bequests
Summary of assets covered by this Will · Beneficiaries and what each will receive · Who receives everything not listed above? (optional) · Guardian’s full name (optional) · Guardian’s address (optional)
Witnesses
Witness 1 full name (optional) · Witness 1 address (optional) · Witness 2 full name (optional) · Witness 2 address (optional)
Execution
City · State · Execution date
How it works
Enter your details
Your full name, age and address as the testator.
Appoint an executor
Someone you trust, ideally younger than you, who agrees to act.
List assets and beneficiaries
Who gets what — specific assets or shares — and who receives anything left over.
Preview, pay and download
Read it carefully, pay ₹50 and download.
Sign before two witnesses
Sign every page in the presence of two witnesses, who then sign in your presence.
How to make it legally valid
- Made while of sound mind and free from pressure, by a person who is an adult.
- Signed by the testator and attested by two witnesses, each of whom sees the testator sign.
- Witnesses should not be beneficiaries or their spouses, as that can void their own gift.
- No stamp duty. Registration with the Sub-Registrar is optional but makes the will harder to challenge or lose.
After you sign it
Signing is not the last step for this document. These are what most authorities ask to see next.
Store it safely and tell the executor
Keep the original somewhere secure and let the executor know where it is. You can also deposit it with the Registrar in a sealed cover.
Review it after major life events
Update it by a codicil or a fresh will after marriage, divorce, births, deaths or big changes in assets.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using a beneficiary as a witness.
- Vague descriptions of assets, such as “my flat” when there are two.
- Bequeathing property the testator does not own outright, such as a coparcenary share without taking advice.
- Several wills with no statement that the latest revokes the earlier ones.
Ready to prepare your Last Will and Testament (Simple)?
₹50 · live preview before you pay
This is a self-help template for common situations — it is not legal advice and LawMitran is not a law firm. Need help with your last will and testament (simple)? Find a property law lawyer · Legal documents FAQs.