What makes a will legal? Are witnessed signatures enough?

Daveborlando asked...

What makes a will legal? We have written wills and had them witnessed. We live in Florida.

Expert Answer

It is not hard to make a will legal. I believe that your wills are legal, though I can't be 100% certain without more information.

To be legal, a will must:

  • Be printed, by computer or typewriter. [In about half the states, handwritten wills are legal, but they are not advisable. Courts traditionally have been very strict when construing handwritten wills.]

  • State that it is your will.

  • Leave at least one gift, and name an executor, the person you appoint to carry out the terms of your will when you are deceased.

  • Be signed and dated by you.

  • Be witnessed by two witnesses, who cannot be beneficiaries of the will.

And that's it. If you've done what I described above, your wills are legal