Wisconsin Last Will and Testament

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Creating a last will and testament is a way you can think ahead and help your loved ones through your death—even before it happens. A legal will takes the confusion out of the estate division and tells your loved ones what you want. Every state has different laws for will creation, but Wisconsin’s are some of the simplest.

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1 Wisconsin Last Will and Testament Template
2 Wisconsin Last Will and Testament Requirements
3 Frequently Asked Questions

Wisconsin Last Will and Testament Template

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Wisconsin Last Will and Testament Requirements

There are only a few main requirements for a legal will in Wisconsin. No legal advice is required unless the will is complicated and at risk of contestation in courts. Here are the necessities for a Wisconsin last will and testament template:

  • The testator must be at least 18 years old
  • The testator must be of sound mind
  • The testator must sign the will in the presence of two witnesses (who must also sign the document)
  • The document must be a hard copy–electronic-only wills are illegal in Wisconsin

These requirements are easy to meet, especially if you write your own will. However, the larger your assets and property, the more likely you need legal advice. A lawyer will execute your will properly and ensure your wishes are carried out.

If you wish to make simple changes to your will, you can do so using a codicil. For more complex changes, it is best to revoke or destroy your original will and create a new one following the same procedure for the creation of the initial will.

Frequently Asked Questions

Creating a will seems like a simple process but can get complicated as you dive into it. Once you start drafting, you might realize you have more questions. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding will templates in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin state government also has a question and answer website.

The requirements for a valid will mainly have to do with the age and health of the testator (the person creating the will). If the testator is of sound mind and a legal adult, they can create their testament. To make it legally binding, however, they will need two separate witnesses. These witnesses shouldn’t be beneficiaries of the will.

Because legal advice and notarization are not required, it is possible to complete a free last will and testament in Wisconsin. There may be costs involved when it comes time to prove the will, but creating the document itself won’t cost money.

Wills do not need to be notarized to be legal in Wisconsin. However, if you would like to make your will self-proved, you can take it to a notary before you and your witnesses sign it. This process makes it easier when your loved ones need to present the will in probate court. 

You can write your own will or use a last will and testament form in Wisconsin. It’s not necessary to hire a lawyer unless you think you cannot complete your testament without legal help.

Wisconsin courts do not recognize handwritten wills. To create a valid will, you must type it on a computer or typewriter and print it off. Once the printed document is properly signed, it will be legally binding.