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Top five mistakes when writing a Will Failing to have the Will witnessed correctly. All Wills need to be signed in the presence of two independent witnesses, who in turn must sign the document. Creating a DIY Will. Forgetting key assets. Not updating the Will after your circumstances change. Not writing one at all.

There's no doubt that creating a will is smart estate planning, but not all property can or should be included in a last will and testament.

Yes, it is legal to write your own Will in Illinois. However, it is important to note that holographic Wills are not considered legally valid. These are Wills that are written and signed by the Testator only, which are considered valid in some states.

Wills may be held invalid if some sort of undue influence was directly tied to the execution of the will. Undue influence is understood to be a force that prevents the testator from exercising his or her own rights in crafting the will.

There is one type of investment asset that you shouldn't include in your will: stocks or bonds that name a beneficiary. These assets can transfer directly to your listed beneficiary without going through probate, so you don't need to include them in your will.

Create a codicil (which is simply changing a Will). Think of this like a quick, easy update or small change to your Will. It's simple to do, and an effective way to ensure your Estate Plan remains up-to-date as things change in your life.

The general requirements for a valid Will are usually as follows: (a) the document must be written (meaning typed or printed), (b) signed by the person making the Will (usually called the “testator” or “testatrix”, and (c) signed by two witnesses who were present to witness the execution of the document by the maker ...

A handwritten will meets the definition of a written will as far the law is concerned. This means that any will that is appropriately signed and witnessed is a valid will. A handwritten will that is not witnessed is known as a holographic will and is not valid under Illinois law.

The testator (the creator of the will) must be at least 18 years old; The testator must be of sound mind and have the mental capacity to understand the consequences of their actions, The testator must sign the will in the presence of at least two witnesses, who must also contemporaneously sign the will.