Will execution formalities

Topic preview

1. 01

   Will in writing

   Say the first formal requirement for a valid will and explain why a neatly drafted document can still fail if the execution ceremony is wrong.

2. 02

   Signature by direction

   Explain who can sign the will and what must be true if someone else signs for the testator.

3. 03

   Signature effect

   State what the signature must be intended to do and why that intention matters for validity.

4. 04

   Two-witness ceremony

   Describe the witnessing requirement precisely: how many witnesses, and what must they do when the will is signed or acknowledged?

5. 05

   Witness content ignorance

   Tell a client whether witnesses need to know the contents of the will, and correct two common myths about signature placement and dating.

6. 06

   Building block 6

   A client brings you a will signed by the testator’s daughter at the testator’s request, with two neighbours present, but one witness did not read the document and the will is undated. Walk through whether the formal execution rules are satisfied and identify any real validity risk.