Who Signs A Will To Make It Legal?

A will is a legal document that outlines how a person's assets and property will be distributed after they pass away. The process of creating a will is essential to ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of and your assets are distributed according to your wishes. One of the crucial steps in making a will is signing it, which makes it legally binding. In this blog, we'll discuss who signs a will to make it legal.

So whose signature makes a will legal?

There are three parties that must sign the will in order to make it legal. Here are these three parties:

The Testator

The person who creates the will is known as the "testator." The testator must sign the will to make it legal. In most cases, the testator will also need to have their signature witnessed by two or more people to ensure that the will is valid. The testator's signature on the will is a declaration that they understand the contents of the will and agree to its terms.

The testator must sign the will in the presence of witnesses, who also sign the document. The witnesses act as a safeguard against fraud or undue influence, as they can attest to the fact that the testator was of sound mind and not coerced into signing the document.

Also Read - Can Will Be Made On Normal Paper.

The Witnesses

In addition to the testator's signature, the will must also be signed by two or more witnesses. The witnesses must be present when the testator signs the will and must also sign the document themselves. The witnesses must be impartial parties who have no stake in the contents of the will. They must also be of legal age and of sound mind.

The role of the witnesses is crucial in ensuring that the will is legally valid. They must attest to the fact that the testator was of sound mind and not coerced into signing the document. The witnesses do not need to read the contents of the will, but they must be present when the testator signs the document.

If the will is contested in court, the witnesses may be called upon to testify about the circumstances surrounding the signing of the will. They may also be asked to confirm that they witnessed the testator sign the document and that they were present when the will was signed.

The Notary Public

In some states, the will may also need to be signed by a notary public. A notary public is a public official who is authorized to witness and certify the signing of legal documents. The notary public must be present when the testator signs the will and must also sign and seal the document.

The role of the notary public is to provide an extra layer of authentication to the will. The notary public verifies the identity of the testator and witnesses and confirms that they all signed the document in their presence. This helps to prevent fraud and ensures that the will is legally valid.

If a will is signed by a notary public, it may be easier to probate the will in court. The court may be more likely to accept the will as legally valid if it has been signed and notarized.

Conclusion

Signing a will is a crucial step in making it legally valid. The testator must sign the will, and it must also be signed by two or more witnesses. In some cases, the will may also need to be signed by a notary public. The signatures of the testator, witnesses, and notary public (if required) help to ensure that the will is legally binding and that the testator's wishes are carried out after they pass away.

It's essential to ensure that your will is properly signed and witnessed to prevent any legal issues after your passing. Working with a qualified attorney can help ensure that your will is drafted correctly and signed in compliance with state law.

Written by Sandeep