How to Create a Simple Will: A Guide for Young Adults
In more than a decade of estate planning practice, I’ve met far too many young adults who dismiss the need for a will. “I’m in my twenties, no kids, barely any savings—what’s the point?” they ask.
Then something unexpected happens: a sudden illness, a motorcycle accident, or even a routine surgery gone wrong. Without a will, families end up in probate court for months, arguing over who gets the apartment lease or the modest investment account.
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I’ve watched siblings feud over a deceased brother’s gaming collection because no one documented his wishes. These aren’t rare edge cases; they’re the everyday realities that convince me every young adult should have at least a simple will.
Dying without a will, or dying intestate, means state laws decide everything, and those rules seldom align with what most twenty- or thirty-somethings would choose. Assets might be split equally among parents or siblings, even if you’d prefer a long-term partner, a best friend, or a favorite charity.
One client in his early thirties had accumulated a small but meaningful crypto portfolio and wanted it directed to an environmental nonprofit he supported through volunteering. Without a will, it defaulted to his estranged father. The family still feels that sting years later.
A simple will is a basic legal document that lets you name beneficiaries, appoint an executor, and clearly outline your wishes.
For most young adults without minor children, complex businesses, or substantial real estate, it doesn’t need to be elaborate or costly. Here’s a practical breakdown based on what I’ve seen work time and again.
Why Young Adults Need a Will Now
Many in their twenties and thirties assume estate planning is for older people with houses and kids. Yet life doesn’t wait. Millennials and Gen Z face the same risks as anyone: unexpected health crises, travel accidents, or even pandemics that heighten awareness of mortality.
A will isn’t about wealth; it’s about control and kindness to those left behind. It prevents family stress during grief and avoids lengthy probate that can tie up even small accounts or personal items for months. In my experience, the people who put this off regret it most when circumstances change faster than expected.
Start with an Honest Inventory of What You Own
Begin by listing your assets, no matter how modest. Include bank accounts, investment apps, retirement funds like a 401(k) or Roth IRA, cryptocurrency, student loan balances (debts matter too), cars, and especially sentimental items: vinyl records, jewelry from a grandparent, or digital assets like social media accounts and photo libraries.
Young adults often overlook these last categories. One client, a twenty-seven-year-old graphic designer, had an Etsy shop with custom prints and wanted her designs to go to her creative partner. Listing everything upfront avoids surprises and makes decisions clearer.
Name Your Beneficiaries Clearly
Decide who gets what. Be specific: name the primary beneficiaries and the contingent (backup) beneficiaries. Vague terms like “to my family” invite disputes.
I’ve seen cases where a young man’s vague reference to his “gaming setup” led roommates and a sister to argue over a high-end monitor for over a year. If you’re single, consider friends, partners, or causes you care about deeply. For parents of young children, this is where guardianship nominations become essential—more on that shortly.
Choose a Reliable Executor and Alternates
The executor handles paperwork, pays final bills, and distributes assets. Pick someone organized, trustworthy, and preferably younger than you, since the role can last months.
Always ask first; one client named his best friend without discussion, and the friend felt overwhelmed. Name an alternate too—life is unpredictable. In straightforward cases, a sibling or close friend often works well.
Handle Special Situations Like Pets and Children
If you have pets, include provisions for their care, perhaps leaving funds for vet bills and naming a caregiver. Courts don’t treat animals exactly like property, but clear instructions help enormously.
One young woman I assisted found real peace knowing her rescue dog would go to a trusted neighbor with money set aside for food and care.
For parents, nominating a guardian for minor children is non-negotiable. If both parents die without this, a court decides, potentially against your wishes. Have honest talks with potential guardians first. I’ve counseled couples who assumed a sibling would step in, only to discover later the sibling had relocated or held different parenting values.
How to Actually Draft and Finalize Your Simple Will
For most young adults with basic situations, online platforms like FreeWill offer free, state-specific guidance. Answer straightforward questions, and the tool generates a document you can print and sign.
These are far superior to handwritten “holographic” wills, which some states accept but are prone to challenges over handwriting or missing formalities.
If your life includes blended families, significant digital assets, or any complexity, spend an hour with an attorney. The modest fee often prevents bigger problems down the line.
To make it legal: sign in front of two disinterested witnesses (not beneficiaries), and notarize if your state requires it. Never skip this step—one otherwise solid review was invalidated because the person signed alone. Store the original safely (in a fireproof box or with your executor) and give copies to trusted people, including location instructions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Life events demand updates: marriage, divorce, a child’s birth, or a large inheritance. One client wrote a will at twenty-five, naming his parents; married at thirty without revising; and his unexpected passing caused confusion.
Beneficiary designations on life insurance, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death bank accounts override the will, so keep those current too. Avoid over-detailing every minor item; focus on categories or meaningful pieces to keep things practical.
Beyond the Will: Complete the Basics
Pair your will with a durable power of attorney for finances and a health care proxy (advance directive). These cover incapacity, not just death.
A twenty-four-year-old client in a coma had no proxy, leaving doctors uncertain who could decide on treatment while her parents clashed. Simple forms prevent that agony.
Creating a simple will isn’t about facing mortality; it’s about responsibility and care. It takes an afternoon, costs little (often nothing), and spares loved ones painful decisions during grief.
In my years helping families navigate loss, the ones who prepared these documents ahead of time stand out for the peace they provided. Don’t wait—sit down, draft it, and get it signed. Your future loved ones will thank you.
