Quick will? Will it work?

[Disabled Vet]

Jurisdiction

Indiana

If a person puts a quick letter together for what they want to happen to their estate if something happens to them while on a trip. Will that hold up in court? Just want to type out a letter that our estate will go to X and Y excluding W. Will that hold up in court?

Thanks

 

[Zigner]

If a person puts a quick letter together for what they want to happen to their estate if something happens to them while on a trip. Will that hold up in court? Just want to type out a letter that our estate will go to X and Y excluding W. Will that hold up in court?

Thanks

Use your favorite web searched engine with the term: requirements for a will in Indiana.

 

[Tax Counsel]

If a person puts a quick letter together for what they want to happen to their estate if something happens to them while on a trip. Will that hold up in court? Just want to type out a letter that our estate will go to X and Y excluding W. Will that hold up in court?

Thanks

No, a simple letter won't do it. Indiana does not recognize holographic wills (those entirely written by hand by the testator). As a result, for your will be valid in that state, it's going to need to be signed by you and your signature needs to be attested by two witnesses who saw you sign it. The will doesn't have to be formal or prepared by a lawyer, but unless it at least meets the minimum requirements of the law it won't be recognized as valid.