Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

Can a lay person make his own will? If so does it need to be notarized?


Asked on 8/22/14, 8:41 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Fran Brochstein Attorney & Mediator

Trick question. If you do it wrong then it's invalid and worthless.

Hand write it in full and sign and date it. That probably will work.

Otherwise, you need witnesses and a notary.

If you own real estate or have a large estate, I highly recommend not using a form that you found on-line since will rules vary in every state. The do it yourself wills might be wrong and you've wasted your time and money. Probate in Texas without a valid will is expensive and time consuming. The executor is under the judge's control and cannot do anything without the judge approving it.

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Answered on 8/22/14, 8:49 am


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