Understanding a Basic Will Template – A Guide for NRIs and Others

Writing a Will can feel complex, but it doesn’t have to be. A well-structured Will ensures your assets are passed on according to your wishes, avoids legal ambiguity, and gives your loved ones clarity and ease. Here’s how this standard template works, how you can adapt it — especially if you are an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) — and how to make it truly yours.

In a Nutshell:

A properly customised Will allows you (especially as an NRI) to clearly state how your assets are distributed, name an executor, and appoint beneficiaries so your legacy is honoured and legally enforceable.

What this Template Covers

The template below is a basic “Last Will and Testament” document.

• It begins by revoking any earlier Wills or Codicils.
• It affirms the testator is acting freely, without coercion.
• It appoints an executor (and a backup) who will handle the estate.
• It details how liabilities, executor fees and probate costs are to be paid.
• It divides assets into parts: assets to the spouse, assets to a son, assets to a daughter.
• It ends with witness attestations and signatures.

Sample Draft of Will

I, Shri/Smt ………………….. son/daughter/wife of Shri …………….., a resident of …………….., by religion………….., born on………. do hereby revoke all my previous Wills (or) Codicils and declare that this is my last Will, which I make on this …….(Date)………………….

I declare that I am writing this will out of my free volition and without any coercion or undue influence whatsoever.

I appoint Shri………………….. Son/daughter of ……………, resident of …………. to be the executor of this Will. In a case where Shri…………… were to pre-decease me, then Shri……………., will be the executor of this Will.

Any liability, owed by me, and the executor fees and probate expenses shall be paid from my bank account no………….. (Name and address of the bank)……… In case the fund is insufficient then the income from the property located at ……………….. (Address of the property)……….. should be used. In case there is any surplus amount, then the surplus amount should be donated to a charitable trust………. (Name and details of the trust) for the purpose of…….. (Objectives)……………

I bequeath the following assets to my Wife Smt……………..

1. My house located at……… (Address)………
2. Bank balance of my savings account no…………………..with …………… (Bank name & bank address)………
3. The proceeds of my Term insurance policy …. (Policy no)……, from……. (Insurance company name)………
4. Any other asset not mentioned in this Will but of which I am the owner.

I bequeath the following assets to my son (in case he is a minor, Smt………, his legal guardian, shall be responsible for the welfare of following assets until he is major) of Shri……………

1. Residential Plot no…… located at…………….
2. My car with registration no……….
3. My mutual fund investments with folio numbers………………….

I bequeath the following assets, irrespective of her marital status, to my daughter Smt…………

1. My Bank fixed deposits in ……. (Bank name)…..bearing …….. (FD receipt no’s)………
2. The contents of bank locker no………, with bank…………, bank address……………
3. My Shares…… (Share Certificate No.) of…… (Company Name and Address)……..

All the above assets are owned by me. No one else has rights on these properties.

Signature of Testator

Witnesses
We hereby attest that this Will has been signed by Shri…………. as his last Will at ……… (Place)……… in the joint presence of himself and us. The testator is in sound mind and made this Will without any coercion.

Signature of Witness (1): Name-Address-Signature
Signature of Witness (2): Name-Address-Signature

Download Will Template – Indian Community

Why this Template is Useful

• It offers a ready structure you can fill out with your details.
• It covers most typical assets: property, bank accounts, insurance, mutual funds, deposits, shares.
• It ensures the presence of formalities like executor and witness names.
• For NRIs, having a clear Will avoids ambiguity in cross-border inheritance.

How NRIs Should Adapt It

If you are an NRI, holding assets in India or abroad, keep in mind:

• Jurisdiction & Laws: Check the Indian Succession Act or local state law; adapt as per your country’s jurisdiction.
• Tax & Repatriation: Review the tax treatment of inherited assets and ensure repatriation procedures are clear.
• Executor’s Location: Appoint someone who can act effectively in India.
• Witnesses: Ensure your witnesses sign in your presence.
• Updates: Review after major life events.

Step-by-Step Use

1. Download the Word file and open it.
2. Replace placeholders (…………) with actual details.
3. Add all your assets, liabilities, and beneficiary details.
4. Sign and have two witnesses sign in your presence.
5. Store copies securely and inform your executor.

Disclaimer

This template and blog are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. It may not reflect laws applicable to your specific situation, including NRI or cross-jurisdictional cases. For a valid Will — especially for NRIs — consult a qualified legal professional in your jurisdiction.

Need Help? – NRI Services by Indian.Community

If you are an NRI or have cross-border property or inheritance matters, our NRI Advisory Services team can help with:

• Drafting or attesting your Will in India.
• Managing probate and legal formalities.
• Structuring and repatriating assets.

👉 Contact Indian.Community today to discuss your situation and plan your estate with confidence