What are the legal requirements for making a will in my state?
In the state of Florida, there are a few legal requirements for making a valid will. Firstly, the person creating the will, known as the “testator,” must be at least 18 years old and have the mental capacity to understand what they are doing. The testator must also willingly and voluntarily make their will without any outside pressure or coercion. In addition, there must be two witnesses to the will signing, who must be over 18 years old. These witnesses are not to be beneficiaries of the will; they are there to witness and validate the will. Lastly, the will must be in writing, signed, and dated by the testator in the presence of the two witnesses. E-signatures are not accepted in Florida. If the will is being made on behalf of a minor, then the testator must also appoint a guardian to take care of the minor’s estate and protect their interests. For more complex wills, it is usually a good idea to hire a lawyer to ensure that all applicable laws are followed. Ultimately, the requirements for making a will in the state of Florida are fairly straightforward, and following these requirements helps to ensure that your wishes are carried out in the event of your passing.
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