How do I sign my will?

The procedure for signing a will and having it witnessed typically follows these steps:

1. Enter all desired assets, beneficiaries and allocations into your Covet Vault.

• View your will (see How do I view and print my estate plan documents?) and review it thoroughly.
• Print your will

2. Gather Witnesses

• Most jurisdictions require two witnesses.
• Witnesses should be adults and generally disinterested parties (not beneficiaries or spouses of beneficiaries).

3. Signing the Will

• The testator (the person making the will and/or gifting assets) must sign the will in the presence of the witnesses.
• If the testator is unable to sign, they can direct someone else to sign on their behalf in their presence and at their direction.

4. Witnesses Sign

• Each witness must watch the testator sign the will or acknowledge the signature if already signed.
• The witnesses then sign the will in the presence of the testator and each other.
• Be sure witnesses include their address and phone number so they can be reached later to attest the validity of your signature.

5. Date the Will

• The date of signing should be included on the will to establish when it was executed.

6. Notarization (Usually Optional but Recommended)

• Some states recommend or require notarization to add an extra layer of authenticity.
• The notary public will typically require the testator and witnesses to provide identification.

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Covet does not provide any legal, investment, accounting, financial, and/or tax advice. The Covet site includes access to software and self-help materials, which are not substitutes for the advice of an attorney, financial advisor and/or accountant.