2007-02-27 07:28:18 · 6 answers · asked by Shazi 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Not necessarily. Each state has different law on how a will must be executed in order to be valid. Variables include the number of witnesses, notarization, handwritten vs. printed. You really need to talk to a lawyer or you risk having what you think is a will, but is actually worthless in the eyes of the law.
2007-02-27 07:32:37 · answer #1 · answered by LoneStar 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Wills need not be notarized, and as the prior answerer mentioned, notarization does NOT make any document "legal".
A holographic (handwritten) will is presumed legal if it was written by a competent person, clearly states the writer's intentions for the disposition of his property, does not contain any illegal conditions, is dated and is witnessed to by a disinterested party (non-relative or beneficiary of the will).
Two witnesses are better, but 1 will do. Notarization is just an extra precaution, but has no meaning other than verification of the identities of the signatories.
2007-02-27 15:43:58 · answer #2 · answered by gw_bushisamoron 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most states require two witnesses in addition to a Notary Public. Check with a local attorney to find out if your Last Will & Testament is in order.
2007-02-27 15:32:40 · answer #3 · answered by Starla_C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it does make it a legal document, but it also needs to be filed at the local court house..preferably by an attorney, before a judge.
2007-02-27 15:37:26 · answer #4 · answered by ShadowCat 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Notarization of a document does not make it legal!
2007-02-27 15:37:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In most states it is as long as it meets all the state requirements for a will (witnesses, language, etc.) and there is no more recent will of record. Just waiting to be filed for probate.
2007-02-27 15:32:45 · answer #6 · answered by wizjp 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋