What are the accepted forms of a Will under state law?

Wills generally should be typewritten. An Oral Will (Called a nuncupative will), recited by the testator in front of witnesses, may be accepted as valid in some states if it is:

• Pronounced during the testator's final illness
• Reduced promptly to writing by the witnesses
• Filed promptly with the probate court

Obviously, it's not wise to wait this long and hope that the witnesses hear the same thing.
A will in the testator's own handwriting (called a holographic will) may also be accepted as valid in some states. However, the testator's handwriting may be illegible, or his intentions may be expressed in a confusing or inconsistent manner.

State law usually requires two or three adult witnesses to witness the execution of the will. If a will is contested in Court, witnesses may be called upon to describe the testator’s state of mind and the actual circumstances surrounding the execution of the will.

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