
- #DOES A WILL NEED TO BE NOTARIZED TO BE LEGAL HOW TO#
- #DOES A WILL NEED TO BE NOTARIZED TO BE LEGAL FREE#
There are a few basic requirements for the witness that you have to follow according to the state laws.Īlso, the people you choose should be disinterested witnesses. It is important to note that not all legal adults can witness your last will. Generally, the notary public will meet you to confirm your ID and watch you sign the documents in person. People have a question: Can you just write a will and get it notarized? While you can write a will on your own without any lawyer, it must comply with state laws.Īdditionally, you also need witness signatures on the document along with some documents to make your will legally valid. You will need to get a notary public who has the authority of the state to perform these actions.
#DOES A WILL NEED TO BE NOTARIZED TO BE LEGAL FREE#
Notarizing also adds an extra layer of protection so no one can forge your signature and change your own free will. A willmaker might also add other legal documents, such as a self-proving affidavit, to boost the document’s credibility. The main reason for notarizing a will is to prevent fraud or identity theft. It will be the responsibility of the willmaker/executor to distribute the assets according to the document.

Step 3 – Execution of the WillĪfter everything is fine, the willmaker/executor will take care of all the wishers on your behalf. The court will call the witnesses to testify the document is authentic.Įach witness would have to confirm that you’re signing the form, you were of sound mind and in the right mental capacity when signing, and didn’t have any pressure when signing the will. Step 2 – Proceedings in the Probate CourtĪfter your death, the willmaker/executor or your loved ones will find the document and submit it to a probate court. These witnesses sign the document as well to make it a valid will. The first step is where you sign and date your will in front of two witnesses. Here is what the process entails: Step 1 – Signing the document The process of witnessing a will is quite simple.

Some people have a question: Can a will be notarized instead of witnessed? If not, how many witnesses do they need? Let’s learn more about the notarization of will in this article. The two witnesses will watch you sign the document and then testify in the probate court that the document is genuine. And that is where your witnesses come into play. It also tells about the guardianship of your minor children after your death.Īfter you pass away, you can’t confirm or deny whether the will is true.
#DOES A WILL NEED TO BE NOTARIZED TO BE LEGAL HOW TO#
Your will is an essential legal document that tells how to divide your assets and other property among your loved ones.

Most importantly, you must sign it in front of at least two witnesses for the will to be a legal document. While writing a will is critical and consumes most of your time, you need to get a notarization for the document to be legally binding. They want to ensure that everything is so that the probate process goes smoothly without any issues for their family members. The last will and testament is something that people might spend weeks, months, and even years preparing.
