What Makes a Will Valid?

A will, more formally known as a Last Will and Testament, is required (in Maryland) to be in writing and signed by the maker as well as two witnesses. A notary public is not required to sign the will, but it doesn’t hurt. A warning, however: a professionally prepared will would have what is known as an “attestation clause” which is a recitation of language that the witnesses were present when the will was signed by the maker and confirm that the maker knew what he was doing when he signed the will. If this is missing, it may be necessary for the witnesses to be found and present proof that the maker of the will did, indeed, know what he was doing.