Will for Personal Belongings (furniture, art, document)

Last updated: November 29, 2025 Type: Affidavit Format Type: Will Fill the Affidavit

DISCLAIMER

This Will template and explanatory note are only a general sample for drafting guidance. Requirements may vary depending on personal circumstances and applicable rules.

Purpose Of This Will (For Personal Belongings)

A Will for personal belongings ensures that your movable items—furniture, art, photographs, certificates, documents, books, memorabilia, sentimental items—are inherited exactly by the people you choose.

Who gets Dad's study table?
Who gets Mom's paintings?
Where are the certificates kept?
Who keeps the albums—don't give them to the relative who never returns anything!

This Will settles everything in writing, preventing emotional or legal tussles after death.

When Should a Person Make This Will

You have valuable or sentimental movable items.
You want clarity on who gets what after you're gone.
You have adult children/siblings who may fight over small things (it happens).
You want your documents (certificates, property papers) properly handed to a responsible person.
You want zero confusion about personal and sentimental items after death.
You want to plan early without waiting for health scares.

Stamp Duty, Registration and Legal Formalities

(Aligned with guidelines from govt.in and nic.in portals.)

Stamp duty is NOT required for a Will.
Registration is optional, not mandatory.
A simple, typed Will + 2 witnesses = a legally valid Will.
Registration at the Sub-Registrar's Office only adds extra evidentiary strength.

No court filing is required while the person is alive.

If Someone Wants To Make This Will Without An Advocate

DO THIS

Write full details of the testator and beneficiary.
List belongings clearly, item by item, to avoid confusion.
Sign each page.
Have two independent witnesses (not beneficiaries).
Keep the original safely stored.
Tell the beneficiary/executor where the Will is kept.
Use simple, direct language.

DO NOT DO THIS

Do not let the beneficiary act as a witness.
Do not leave blank spaces.
Do not use correction fluid or pencil.
Do not make multiple contradictory versions.
Do not hide the Will so well that it disappears forever.
Do not mix property details meant for different Wills in one document.

Will Validity in Court

Courts accept unregistered Wills if properly signed and witnessed.
Movable items usually do not require probate, but probate may be needed if disputes arise or if required in that State.
A clear Will = faster settlement, fewer family meetings sounding like reality shows.

Other Important Points

The last Will overrides all previous Wills.
You can revise this Will anytime.
Witnesses must see the testator sign.
Keep photocopies with trusted persons.
Sentimental items should be described precisely.
If personal documents include property papers, mention they are for custody only unless stated in a separate Will.

FAQs — Will For Personal Belongings

1. Can a Will be made only for personal belongings?: Yes. A Will can be only for movable items.
2. Do I need registration?: No. Optional.
3. Who gets the belongings if the Will is silent?: They are shared among legal heirs according to succession law.
4. Can I give sentimental items to non-family members?: Yes. Your Will, your choice.
5. Can the beneficiary be a minor?: Yes, but appoint a guardian until they turn 18.
6. Can I list personal documents like certificates and IDs?: Yes, but clarify they are for custody, not ownership.
7. Can I change the Will later?: Yes, anytime.
8. Can witnesses be neighbours?: Yes, if adults and not beneficiaries.
9. Is a handwritten Will valid?: Yes, but typed is cleaner.
10. What if the original Will is lost?: Court may accept copies if witnesses testify, but it becomes harder.

Downloads & Resources

Will: Personal Belongings (furniture, art, document) (363.94 KB)

Legal Affidavit Document

WILL FOR PERSONAL BELONGINGS (FURNITURE, ART, DOCUMENTS)

This is the LAST WILL and TESTAMENT executed on this ____ day of __________ 20___ (Two Thousand and ________) by me, Sri/Smt. ____________________________, Aged about ____ years, Son/Daughter/Wife of ____________________________, _____________ by caste, __________________ by profession, permanent resident of Village/Locality _____________________, P.O.- _____________________, P.S.- _____________________, District - ________________, at present residing at _____________________, P.O.- _____________________, P.S.- _____________________, District - ________________, Aadhar No. ________________, Mobile No. __________________.

Out of my own free will and in a fully disposing state of mind and without any coercion or undue influence from anybody, I declare this to be my last Will.

That I am now aged about ______ years, and I am anxious that after my lifetime, all my movable personal belongings—such as furniture, household items, artwork, artefacts, personal documents, and other personal effects—should devolve smoothly according to my wishes as set out in this Will, to avoid future disputes or complications.

That I have been in peaceful possession and enjoyment of all the personal belongings described under the SCHEDULE OF PROPERTY and there is no interruption or encumbrance of any kind over the same.

That I give, devise and bequeath all my specific personal belongings listed in the schedule hereunder, including furniture, decorative items, artworks, photographs, documents, files, certificates, and personal collections, to Sri/Smt. ____________________________________, aged about ____ years, Son/Daughter/Wife of the late Shri _____________________________, permanent resident of Village/Locality _____________________, P.O.- _____________________, P.S.- _____________________, District - ________________, at present residing at _____________________, P.O.- _____________________, P.S.- _____________________, District - ________________, Profession: __________________.

He/She shall be the absolute owner of the said movable belongings on and by reason of my death, and he/she shall be the sole executrix/executor of this Will.

That no other person shall have any claim, right or interest in the said personal belongings bequeathed under this Will.

Further, I give, devise and bequeath any remaining movable properties not specifically mentioned to _____________________________________________.

That none of my legal heirs or successors shall have any claim over the bequeathed personal belongings after my death, and any such claim shall be without merit and not sustainable under this Will.

That this final Will shall come into effect on the day and by reason of my death, and I reserve the right to cancel, modify or alter any or all provisions of this Will whenever I deem necessary.

That as long as I am alive, all the movable belongings mentioned hereunder shall remain in my exclusive use and enjoyment, along with all incidental rights thereto.

SCHEDULE OF PROPERTY (PERSONAL BELONGINGS)

Beds, wardrobes, sofa sets, dining tables, chairs
Wooden cabinets, dressing table, study table
Any other household furniture
Paintings, framed art, sculptures, handicrafts
Decorative pieces, wall hangings, showpieces
Personal files, educational certificates, awards
Property papers belonging solely to me
Identity documents, old records, diaries, letters
Books, photographs, albums
Memorabilia or collectibles

***** Additional items may be added one by one, category-wise or item-wise. *****

All the above are devised and bequeathed to _____________________________________ to be enjoyed as his/her absolute property on and by reason of my death.

Signed by ________________________________________, the TESTATOR, and acknowledged by him/her to be his/her last Will and Testament in the presence of the witnesses present at the same time, who at his/her request and in his/her presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed their names as witnesses.

Subscribed his/her hand/signature after the contents of this Will were read over and explained to him/her in vernacular language in the presence of the following two witnesses.

Date: ___________

TESTATOR

WITNESSES:

Signature: __________________ Name: _______________________ Son of: ______________________ Address: _____________________

This Document is prepared by: __________________