Even though a last will and testament is an essential document for every adult individual, it’s a relatively complicated legal form. A person who is planning to create a will needs to know what different terms associated with the will creation process mean, what requirements this document needs to meet, and what is necessary to create a will. In this article, we will define who a will testator is and explain the requirements a testator has to meet.A testator or testatrix is a person who creates a Last Will & Testament. Today, the word “testator” is used to refer both to males and females. However, in the past, the term “testatrix” was used to refer to female will creators.
Each state sets its own requirements for will testators. However, in most jurisdictions, these requirements are very similar and come down to two things: age and mental state.
In the majority of jurisdictions, only people aged 18 and over can create a legally valid last will and testament. However, some states such as Florida allow military personnel to create a valid will even if the individual has not yet become a legal adult.
Another ubiquitous requirement is mental competency. In most jurisdictions, a will testator must be “of sound mind” when they create, alter, or revoke their will. Witnesses to a will may be called to testify to the testator’s mental state in court if it’s called into question.
The future is unpredictable. Anyone could meet their untimely demise at any time. If a testator or testatrix doesn’t have a Last Will & Testament, the task of dividing their estate falls to the courts. This scenario doesn’t just include bank accounts and property – a judge can also determine the custody of any minor children.
In short, a will acts as a person’s (or testator’s/testatrix’s) voice from beyond the grave.
When a testator or testatrix acquires significant assets (e.g., a home, sizable investments, etc), they should strongly consider creating a Last Will & Testament. Once dependants enter the equation, a will is practically a necessity.
Nobody knows when their time on Earth is up. The division of assets/custody of children should not be left to the legal system. A will gives a testator or testarix the power to decide.
No. In the past, experts strongly advised testators of a will to seek legal counsel, as information on will creation was not readily available. Today, the internet has made this info easily accessible. Those comfortable taking a DIY approach can now create a legally-binding will without lawyer involvement by choosing one of the best online will makers on the market.
The vast majority of the time, a testator/testatrix will leave their estate to their family. However, they can name anyone they please as a beneficiary. They aren’t limited to naming people either – testators often leave money to charitable organizations and other bodies. In the past, there have even been cases of testators/testatrixes leaving their estate to their pets. Keep in mind that one of the biggest estate planning mistakes you can make is not listing alternative or backup beneficiaries in your will, so always try to name at least one alternative beneficiary for each asset you’re leaving.
Drafting a will involves a great deal of thought. However, the will creation process has never been more straightforward. Numerous Last Will & Testament websites charge significantly less than lawyers.
A testator doesn’t need a lawyer to create a will. However, there are a few legal quirks they mustn’t ignore. First, to make their Last Will & Testament legally-binding, they must sign it. Not only that, but two witnesses must be present and sign it as well.
The witnesses cannot be beneficiaries or under the age of 18. Other than that, anybody can serve as a witness. Once signed and dated by all parties, a testator’s will becomes legally valid.
Today, becoming a testator and creating a will is easier than ever. You don’t need to hire a lawyer and pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a document that leaves everything to your spouse or children. As long as you meet the requirements for testators in your state, you can go online and create a legally valid will in as little as 15 minutes. There are over a dozen different online will-making services to choose from, so you will definitely find a company that meets your needs and preferences.