North Carolina Last Will and Testament Form

The North Carolina last will and testament is a legal document (a standard will) that may be used by an individual (Testator) to arrange the distribution of their estate to their beneficiaries. This is a document that must be completed by the Testator and must be completed while the person is of sound mind. The testator will have the option to designate an executor who will distribute, according to the testator’s document, the testator’s estate after the testator’s death. This document will also allow the testator to list their beneficiaries to whom their estate will be distributed. This document may be changed or revoked at any time.


Laws – § 31-1, et seq.

How to Write

Step 1 – Download the document – Establish the document by submitting the Testator’s name in the first line at the top of the form. Proceed:

  • Enter the testator’s name
  • City
  • County
  • Read through “Expenses and Taxes”

Step 2 – Delegating an Executor – The Testator may establish an executor by providing the following information:

  • Name of the executor
  • Address
  • County
  • State

If the first selected executor is unavailable, an alternate may be established in advance. Enter the following:

  • Submit the name of the alternate
  • Address
  • County
  • State

Step 3 – Disposition of Testator’s Property –Enter all beneficiary information, if there are more beneficiaries than will fit onto this form, add a sheet with their information and attach it to the form

  • Beneficiary’s name
  • Address
  • Relationship
  • Submit the required last four (4) digits of the beneficiary’s Social Security Number
  • The Testator must read the next paragraphs
  • Should additional instructions apply, the Testator may add a separate sheet and attach

Step 4 – Titled Sections and Subsections

  • Omissions
  • Bond
  • Discretionary Powers of Personal Representative (subsections A through K)
  • Contesting Beneficiary
  • Guardian Ad Litem Not Required
  • Gender
  • Assignment
  • Governing Law

Step 5 – Binding Agreement – The Principal must read and agree to the first paragraph. Provide the following:

  • Testator’s name
  • Enter the date of execution of the document (dd/mm/yyyy)
  • Testator’s name
  • Printed name
  • Date of signature (dd/m/yy format)
  • The Testator’s name

Step 6 – Witness Signatures and Notarization – Parties must be present before the notary and provide signatures

Witnesses –

  • Witnesses must submit signatures (respectively)
  • Addresses (current)

Testamentary Affidavit –

  • The notary shall acknowledge this document
  • The notary will submit signatories names
  • Testator will enter his/her signature
  • Witnesses shall provide their signatures