Define Fillable Fields In Legal Missouri Pour Over Will Forms For Free

Any person who is at least 18 years old and of sound mind can make a will. When is a Will Legal in Missouri? In Missouri, a will is legal when it is signed and the signature was witnessed by two people. A will can be changed through a codicil with the same formalities as when the will was signed.

Handwritten Will: A will written in the testator's own handwriting is valid in Missouri if the testator signs it or directs someone to sign it in his presence and before two witnesses. However, a holographic will which is one written in the testator's handwriting but does not have witnesses, is not valid in Missouri.

However, all wills, including pour-over wills, must go through the probate process. Depending on your circumstances, it may be a good idea to have a pour-over will in place if you want all your assets handled through a trust when you die.

In Missouri, a will does not have to be notarized. However, making a will self-proving can simplify the probate process. To create a self-proving will, the testator and witnesses must sign an affidavit in the presence of a notary public. The notary public then notarizes the affidavit, which is attached to the will.

Missouri does not recognize holographic wills (wills that are handwritten by the testator and are not signed and attested by witnesses). All wills must be attested to by two or more competent witnesses. A handwritten will that is witnessed properly by two witnesses is valid.

Handwritten Will: A will written in the testator's own handwriting is valid in Missouri if the testator signs it or directs someone to sign it in his presence and before two witnesses.