Your last will and testament contains essential information on your final wishes, including how you would like your assets dispersed. If it fails to meet the criteria set forth by the law, your will could be considered invalid in court. To this end, the legal team at Weingast Law can help clients  create a binding will that meets all relevant requirements.

With more than three decades of dedicated legal service to local clients, attorney Jeremy Weingast has the experience to tackle even the most complex issues. He’s here to provide you with the basics on what makes a valid last will and testament.

Mental Health

In order for your will to be valid, you must be of sound mind and capable of making decisions on your behalf. This entails being aware of your assets and that by including them in your will they will be distributed to others. In most cases, past instances of mental illness do not impact a will’s validity provided you are established to be of sound mind at the time of the signing.

Age

You must also be 18 or older for your will to be accepted as binding. There are exceptions to this rule, however; for instance, a minor that has been emancipated from his or her parents can create a binding will. Emancipation can result from military membership, marriage, or it can be appointed by a court.

Signature

Like any other legally-binding document, your will must be signed in your own handwriting. While it may seem like a relatively minor oversight, an unsigned will is not considered valid and cannot be executed. If you are incapable of signing a will due to physical disability, another person can sign at your discretion.

Witnesses

You will also need witnesses present at the signing of your will. Typically, you’ll need two witnesses who have no interest in your assets, and these witnesses will also need to sign your will to ensure its validity.

Weingast Law can assist clients in a range of legal issues, including the creation of a solid last will and testament. Learn more about attorney Weingast’s qualifications by visiting his firm online. You can also call (860) 233-1440 today to schedule your consultation with a trusted Hartford lawyer.