Almost always, a simple will is the will of choice for most people. A simple will is a single legal document that applies only to you (unlike a joint will for you and your spouse). A simple will describes the following:

• Who you are, with enough information to clearly identify the document as your will.
• The names of your beneficiaries, both people — whether those people are family members or not — and institutions, such as charities, and enough information about the beneficiaries, such as their addresses and birth dates so whoever is reading your will can figure out to whom you're referring.
• The person's name that you're appointing to be the executor of your will. The executor is the person who is legally responsible for making sure that your directions are carried out. You also need to appoint a backup executor — or maybe even a backup to the backup — if, for any reason, your designated executor is unable to perform the official duties.

Always check with whomever you specify as an executor or backup executor in your will before putting that person's name in your will. You want to avoid unnecessary complications that may arise if that person is unwilling or unable to serve as your will's executor.

• Your directions as to who will care for your children or for anyone else you are legally responsible.
• How you want your assets distributed, and to whom, after you are gone.

Your simple will should be typewritten or in the form of a computer printout. Other forms of your will, such as written in your own handwriting or spoken, are usually filled with problems and shouldn't be used.