Wills Last Testaments

Signature: The will must be signed by the testator or by someone else in the testator's name in his presence, by his direction. Witnesses: A Massachusetts will must be signed by at least two witnesses, who should not also be beneficiaries in the will. Writing: A Massachusetts will must be in writing.

The probate file is public record. You can go to the filing room and request to see the file. The file will contain the Will and any other documentation that has been filed thus far. You can also copy documents in the file to take with you.

The will must be filed in the county where the decedent last resided with the Probate and Family Court Department so the personal representative may be granted Letters and proceed with the administration of the estate. Someone who dies without a will is called intestate, which invokes the strict laws of intestacy.

There must be multiple witnesses of a will in order for it to be valid. In Massachusetts, there must be a minimum of two witnesses, and in most circumstances, they should not be set to benefit from the outcome of the will.

Reciprocal wills could be joint, mirror or mutual, but joint wills (one will made by two people) are not legal in Ontario.A binding written agreement to this effect usually accompanies these Wills. An oral agreement may also be binding.

Technically, you can create your own will in Massachusetts. The only legal requirement is that you sign it in front of at least 2 witnesses and that those witnesses also sign the will.

No, in Massachusetts, it is not necessary to notarize your will to make it legal. Massachusetts does, however, allow you to make your will "self-proving." A self-proving will speeds up probate because the court can accept the will without contacting the witnesses who signed it.

No, in Massachusetts, it is not necessary to notarize your will to make it legal. Massachusetts does, however, allow you to make your will "self-proving." A self-proving will speeds up probate because the court can accept the will without contacting the witnesses who signed it.