Wills & Estates
Wills FAQ
What makes a will legal? Do I need a lawyer to make my will?
Any adult of sound mind is entitled to make a will. Beyond that, there are just a few technical requirements a will must fulfill:
- The will must be signed by at least two witnesses. The witnesses must watch you sign the will, though they don't need to read it. Your witnesses, in most states, must be people who won't inherit anything under the will. (If your state allows "holographic" wills, you don't need witnesses.)
- You must date and sign the will.
You don't have to have your will notarized. In many states, though, if you and your witnesses sign an affidavit (sworn statement) before a notary public, you can help simplify the court procedures required to prove the validity of the will after you die.
A lawyer does not have to write a will, and most people do not need a lawyer's help to make a basic will -- one that leaves a home, investments, and personal items to your loved ones, and, if you have young children, that names a guardian to take care of them. Creating a basic will rarely involves complicated legal rules, and most people can create their own will with the aid of a good software program or book. But if you have questions that aren't answered by the resource you're relying on, or your situation is unusual, it may be worth it to see a good lawyer. For more information, see Nolo's article (Making a Will: Are Lawyers Optional?)
*Reprinted with permission from the publisher, Nolo, Copyright 20011, http://www.nolo.com