In the United States, any person of legal age and sound mind may make a will. In most states, the legal age is 18 years. However, the state of Georgia allows minors as young as 14 years old to have a will. There is no minimum age for writing a will in Louisiana. Those who are emancipated from their parents may also write wills at a younger age. Emancipation is a court process that legally recognizes a minor as an adult. Not every state has emancipation laws. The majority who do set the minimum age for emancipation at 16 years old. California is an exception, allowing emancipation as young as 14 years old. In some states, minors who are married or in the armed forces may write wills. Both situations require parental consent and may provide emancipation without a court order.

If you have possessions, known as your estate, it is recommended that you have a will. Otherwise, upon your death, the local probate court will determine how your estate will be distributed and any court costs will be deducted from the estate before it is dispersed.

In a will, beneficiaries are listed and an executor is appointed to carry out your wishes accordingly. Beneficiaries may be individuals or entities, such as charities. The executor is a person who will ensure that your possessions and other affairs are handled as you requested in your will. The will may also be used to designate a guardian for your minor children after your death.

A legal professional can help you create a will, or you can do it yourself. There are a number of companies on the Internet that can help you make a will. Those companies include LegalZoom, Create My Will, Wills-Online, and AllLaw. For more legal information on wills or help with finding a lawyer, go to FindLaw. You may also consult your state’s bar association for the rules of creating a will in your state, including minimum age requirements.