A will is an official notarized document in which a person (the testator) determines how their property will be distributed after death.
In 2026, the requirements for drafting a will remain strictly regulated by law, and the document must comply with the established form and certification procedure.
In this article, we will explain how to write a will (sample), what mandatory elements it should include, and what nuances should be considered.
What is a will and its form
A will is a unilateral legal act that comes into force after a person’s death. The main requirement is a written form.
The form of a will includes:
- written drafting;
- indication of date and place;
- personal signature of the testator;
- notarization (or certification by another authorized person).
Sample will
Example template
LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
City: __________________________
Date: ___ __________ 20__
I, __________________________ (full name),
Tax ID: ____________________,
Passport: series ______ No. __________, issued by ____________________,
Address: ________________________________________________,
in the event of my death, hereby declare the following:
I bequeath all my property, wherever located and of whatever kind, to:
Heir: __________________________ (full name)
Tax ID: ____________________
Passport: series ______ No. __________
Address: ________________________________________________
(If needed, add conditions or additional heirs)
I confirm that this will is made voluntarily and I fully understand its contents.
Date: ____________
Signature: ____________
Notary signature: ____________
What documents are required to draft a will
A common question is: what documents are required to draft a will?
Typically, you need:
- passport and tax identification number;
- property documents (if available);
- details of heirs.
A notary verifies the legal capacity of the person and explains the procedure for drafting a will.
You can learn more about the procedure on the service page: Inheritance contracts and wills.
Learn about other notarial services via the link.
Types of wills: what you should know
A will can take different forms: a conditional will, a secret will, or a joint will of spouses.
Testamentary bequest: what is it
A testamentary bequest is a provision under which an heir is obliged to perform a certain action in favor of a third party (for example, granting the right of residence).
How inheritance is distributed if there is a will
Many people wonder: how is inheritance distributed if there is a will?
The main rule is that property is distributed according to the will of the testator.
However, there are exceptions:
- mandatory share for certain relatives;
- possibility of contesting the will.
Read more in the article: Who Can Challenge a Will After Death and How to Avoid It
Certification and execution of a will
A will is certified by a notary who:
- verifies documents;
- establishes identity;
- registers the document in the official register.
After the death of the testator, the execution of the will begins, supervised by the heirs or the executor of the will.
Interpretation of a will and legal disputes
Sometimes interpretation of a will is required if the wording is unclear.
In complex cases, it is possible to:
- apply to court;
- obtain a court decision declaring the will invalid (for example, due to improper form or pressure on the testator).
Conclusion
Instead of guessing, the best solution is to seek professional advice.
A notary will suggest the most appropriate solution for your situation and help you оформить the document correctly from the first time.
16.04.2026 | Автор: Nadiia Kornieienkova