How I Wrote My Own Will in 10 Minutes (Without a Lawyer or Stress)

Most people avoid writing a will because it feels intimidating, expensive, or “something for old people.” I used to think the same thing. But recently, I tried an experiment that shocked me—I managed to create a fully written draft of my own will in just 10 minutes, and it didn’t cost me a cent.

Now before I dive in: I am not a lawyer. This is not legal advice. What I’m sharing is my personal experience and a simple method that anyone can use to start their will quickly, which you can later finalize with professional help.

Why Most People Never Write a Will

• It feels complicated. Legal language can sound overwhelming.

• It seems expensive. Attorney fees for estate planning can run into hundreds of dollars.

• We think we’re too young. Many young people assume wills are only for the elderly.

• We don’t like facing mortality. Writing a will forces us to confront uncomfortable “what ifs.”

But here’s the truth: whether you have one bank account or a mansion, if you die without a will, the government decides how your assets are distributed. And trust me, that’s usually not how you would want things handled.

My 10-Minute Will Experiment

I wanted to test if I could draft a simple will quickly without lawyers or expensive software. Here’s how I did it:

1. I listed all my assets. Not just property or cars, but also digital assets (like social media accounts, online businesses), sentimental items, and even my loyal dog. Example: “My checking account at NCB with a proud balance of $12,000, I leave to my beloved cousin Enid Campbell—with the hope she doesn’t blow it all at once.” I included:

   • Bank accounts (with names and balances)

   • Real estate (family land, even disputed rooms!)

   • Vehicles (my Toyota Corolla a.k.a. “White Angel”)

   • Personal items (wedding ring, gold chain, Louis Vuitton bag)

   • Pets (my mongrel, Brownie)

   • Digital accounts (TikTok, business accounts, etc.)

2. For each item, I specified who I wanted it to go to—using full legal names to avoid confusion.

3. I dictated instead of typing. I used the voice-to-text feature on my phone to quickly list everything. This sped things up and helped me think freely without worrying about typing.

4. I appointed an executor. Every will needs someone responsible to carry out your wishes. In my case, I appointed my cousin Bernice—because she’s the only one who doesn’t fight over goat meat at Christmas dinner.

5. I remembered guardianship and digital assets. If you have children, dependents, or valuable online accounts, name a guardian or digital heir. It’s often forgotten but very important.

6. I added a residue clause. This ensures that anything I forget to list will still go to someone I trust. Think of it as a catch-all.

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The Prompt That Turned Notes Into a Professional Will

Once I had my notes, I used a simple AI prompt to turn them into a formal will. The prompt looked like this:

“Act as an experienced estate planning attorney. Draft a simple will in [insert your country]. Make sure it includes an executor, special gifts, a residue clause, and standard signing. Here are the details…”

I then pasted all my notes under “Here are the details.”

Within seconds, the AI generated a legally formatted document:

• Appointed executor

• Clear list of assets and beneficiaries

• Residue clause

• General provisions (like what happens if a beneficiary dies before me)

• Space for signatures and witnesses

It looked professional—something I could actually take to a lawyer for review.

Why This Works (and Why It’s Not a Replacement for a Lawyer)

This 10-minute method is a game-changer for getting started, but it’s not the final step. Here’s why:

✅ Saves money: Walking into a lawyer’s office with a draft will likely cut your costs dramatically. 

✅ Saves time: You avoid weeks (or months) of procrastination. 

✅ Provides peace of mind: You’ll know your loved ones won’t be left in chaos.

⚠️ But here’s the caveat: Laws differ by country. Some require witnesses, notarization, or additional clauses. Always consult a licensed attorney before finalizing your will.

Why You Should Do This Today

In the time it takes to scroll Instagram or watch a TikTok, you could:

• Protect your children’s future

• Ensure your assets go to the right people

• Prevent family disputes and government interference

It’s not about how much you own—it’s about clarity and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Writing a will doesn’t need to be scary or expensive. With just your phone, 10 minutes, and a little creativity, you can draft a clear, detailed will that covers your assets, beneficiaries, and wishes.

The real question is: are you going to let the government decide for you, or will you leave clear instructions for your loved ones?

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