State Laws

• You will need to check your state's laws on wills before you sign one. You can find the laws by asking a lawyer or searching your state's statutes, which are found in the state code.
  
  

Warning

• You must obey the legal rules established by your state or your will might not be effective. Even the smallest mistake such as leaving out a required signature will make your will ineffective.
  
  

Witnesses

• Most states require at least two witnesses to watch you sign your will, then they will sign the will indicating you signed it. Some states require three witnesses.
  
  

Notary Acknowledgment

• Some states require you sign the will in the presence of a public notary. After you sign the will and provide evidence of your identification to the notary, the notary will sign and stamp the will, verifying you are the person who signed it.
  
  

Benefits

• It is probably worth your time and money to pay an attorney to prepare a will for you, just to make sure you cover all the state laws. If you make a mistake, your will is worthless and your property will be distributed according to state law when you die.