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What might make a will invalid?

On Behalf of | May 9, 2022 | Estate Litigation, Estate Planning

A final will is a fundamental component of any estate plan. This document can dictate which of your family members inherits your property and savings as well as settling other important matters.

Suffice to say, it’s important to make sure that your will is clear, accurate and legally valid. What are some of the more common reasons that your will may be deemed invalid?

Not following state-specific laws

Estate planning laws vary from state to state, and Ohio has specific codes relating to this matter. To save costs, people are often tempted to draft their own wills. However, this can be counterproductive and more expensive in the long run. DIY will templates can be found readily online, but they tend to be generic. As a result, a DIY will may not be specific enough in its legal language to be valid in Ohio. Even if it is, the generic form of the document could mean that you miss out vital components. In either case, the end result could be probate litigation, which will put your loved ones under significant stress and an extra expense.

Undue influence

When you draft your will, it is vital that you do so voluntarily, with a sound mind. If anyone has pressured you into allocating your belongings to them, this is unlawful. You should also be fully aware of what you are signing at all times. If you’ve been pressured into signing something without being permitted to look closely, this will not hold up in court.

Creating a final will is a major decision that can bring numerous benefits to your family. An invalid will may result in probate litigation. If you’re unsure about any aspects of the estate planning process, make sure you seek out a knowledgeable party that can help you to assert your legal rights.