Do Wills Need to be Notarized?

Creating a will is an important step towards ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. There are many rumors and myths surrounding the creation of a will, including what formalities are required for a will to be valid.  One common question is whether a will needs to be notarized.

In Colorado, anyone aged 18 or over may create a will if they are of sound mind. Wills serve as instructions for tying up affairs upon the creator’s, known as a testator, passing. A will can contain provisions regarding who will receive the testator’s assets and name a guardian for the testator’s minor children.  Colorado recognizes handwritten (holographic) wills.  While drafting your will yourself may be tempting, certain requirements exist for a holographic will to be found valid.

A Denver estate planning attorney can draft a will that that complies with the Colorado Probate Code and. A will is considered self-proved if it is signed before two disinterested witnesses and a notary.  A court may admit a self-proved will to probate through the informal probate process.  The informal probate process typically requires less time and costs less.

If you have questions about will creation, or estate planning in general, it is time to talk to an estate planning attorney. They have the knowledge and expertise to guide you to the right estate planning tools for your specific and unique situation. Everyone can benefit from estate planning, no matter the size or value of your estate, your age or your goals. To schedule a consultation with Brown Law Firm, LLC, call (303) 339-3750.