What are the requirements for a valid will?
In order for a will to be valid in North Carolina, the person must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. The will must also be in writing and signed by the person in front of two witnesses. The witnesses must not benefit from the will in any way and must sign the will in front of the person who wrote it. It is also important to ensure that the will includes clear instructions for distributing the assets listed. If the person creating the will is married, they will need to include their spouse’s name in the will as they are entitled to a portion of any assets left. This is known as the “elective share” in North Carolina. The will should also name an executor, who is the person responsible for ensuring that the wishes of the person making the will are followed. An executor should have an understanding of legal details and have the ability to work with other people, such as financial professionals and lawyers. If a person wants their will to be carried out properly, it is a good idea to have a lawyer review it to make sure that it meets all of the legal requirements for a valid will in North Carolina.
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