Do I need to list every asset I own in my will?

No. A will typically includes a residuary clause that covers any property not specifically listed elsewhere in the document, so you generally don't need to itemize every single asset you own to have a complete will.

General information

• A residuary clause directs 'everything else' to your chosen beneficiary or beneficiaries.
• Specific gifts are still worth listing individually if you want a particular item to go to a particular person.
• Some assets, like retirement accounts with beneficiary designations, pass outside the will entirely.

Service steps to consider

1. Decide on any specific items you want to leave to specific people.
2. Choose who receives everything else through the residuary clause.
3. Check that beneficiary designations on accounts like retirement plans match your overall intent.

Quick check

• Have I chosen specific gifts, if any, that matter to me?
• Have I decided who receives the residue of my estate?

How Complete Wills can help

Complete Wills' questionnaire is built to handle this efficiently through a residuary clause. Rather than requiring you to list every asset one by one, the questionnaire lets you name specific gifts where they matter most to you and directs everything else to your chosen residuary beneficiary, keeping the process manageable even if you own many different types of property.

Important limits

• Retirement accounts, life insurance, and similar assets with their own beneficiary designations generally pass outside the will and should be checked separately.