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No, you are not required to use a lawyer to make a Will in Missouri. There are some situations, like a complex estate or difficult family relationships, where it may be beneficial to consult a lawyer.

Although Missouri does not require a will to be notarized, most Missouri practitioners use two witnesses and a notary to make the will self-proving (see Drafting Note, Self-Proving Affidavit).

In Missouri, anyone of sound mind who is 18 or older may create a living will. Two persons 18 or older must witness and sign a living will, but those two adults may not be your family members, your beneficiaries, or anyone who is responsible for your healthcare expenses.

No, in Missouri, you do not need to notarize your will to make it legal. However, Missouri allows you to make your will "self-proving" and you'll need to go to a notary if you want to do that. A self-proving will speeds up probate because the court can accept the will without contacting the witnesses who signed it.

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.

The rules and restrictions will vary by state; however, in Missouri, your Living Will document must be signed by two witnesses. If you are naming a healthcare agent, then you also need a notary. As a general principle, witnesses should be over 18 years old, and none should also be your agent.