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Transcript of No requirement regarding what written on or with.
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4. Formalities
Attested Will -- § 59
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1. In Writing
No requirement regarding what written on or with.
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2. Signed by Testator
Any symbol executed or adopted by the testator with present intent to authenticate the will.
Gov’t Code § 311.005(6).
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Sample Signatures
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Proxy Signatures
1. Probate Code
By the testator’s direction, and
In the testator’s presence.
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Proxy Signatures
2. Notary under Gov’t Code § 4040.0165
In presence of a witness.
But only if testator physically unable to sign.
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Location
None specified in Texas.
Should be at the end or “foot” of will.
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3. Attestation
Number = at least two
In re Estate of Iverson – p. 93
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Capacity of Witnesses
1. Legal Capacity
Above 14
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Capacity of Witnesses
2. Attestation Capacity
Credible; qualified to testify in court
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Capacity of Witnesses
3. Time
When attestation occurred
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Capacity of Witnesses
4. Knowledge
Publication not required (witnesses do not need to know they are witnessing a will)
Davis v. Davis, p. 96
But is needed for SPA
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Review of Will Requirements Previously Discussed
1. Legal Capacity 2. Testamentary Capacity 3. Testamentary Intent 4. Formalities – Formal Will
a. In writing b. Signed c. Witnessed▪ At least 2▪ Above 14 years old▪ Credible ▪ Publication not required
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Order of Events
What if witnesses attest before testator signs?
Strict View
Continuous Transaction View [Texas]
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Attestation by Mark
Not allowed.
Statute says “their names”
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Attestation by Proxy
Not allowed.
Statute says “in their own handwriting”
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Location of Attestation
Statute says “subscribe”
But, case law not strict
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Presences
1. Witnesses attest in presence of testator?
Required in Texas.
“Conscious Presence” defined – Nichols p. 102
Visually-impaired testators
Morris – p. 102, note 5
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Presences
2. Witnesses attest in each other’s presence?
Not required in Texas.
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Presences
3. Testator signs (or acknowledges a prior signature) in presence of witnesses?
Not required in Texas.
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Witness as Beneficiary -- §§ 61 & 62
1. Effect on will
None – will remains valid.
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Witness as Beneficiary -- §§ 61 & 62
2. Effect on beneficiary’s gift
Void, unless an exception applies.
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Witness as Beneficiary -- §§ 61 & 62
3. Exceptions
a. If beneficiary is also an heir, beneficiary receives smaller of will and intestate share.
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Witness as Beneficiary -- §§ 61 & 62
3. Exceptions
b. Will is otherwise established (e.g., another witness).
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Witness as Beneficiary -- §§ 61 & 62
3. Exceptions
c. Corroboration by disinterested and credible person.
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Self-Proving Affidavit – § 59
Substitutes for in-court testimony of witnesses when will probated.
Saves time, expense, and inconvenience when probating will.
Does not “strengthen” the will.
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Self-Proving Affidavit – § 59
1. Traditional – two-step with “double” signatures.
SPA is separatedocument.
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Self-Proving Affidavit – § 59
2. Modern (as ofSeptember 1,2011) – one-
step with “single” signatures.
SPA is insidethe will.
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Self-Proving Affidavit – § 59
The Boren issue – p. 105
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Selecting Witnesses
Normally, little thought given.
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Selecting Witnesses
1. Witnesses familiar with testator
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Selecting Witnesses
2. Supernumerary witness
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Selecting Witnesses
3. Youthful and healthy witnesses
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Selecting Witnesses
4. Traceable witnesses
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Selecting Witnesses
5. Witnesses who would favorably impress judge and jury.
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Will Execution Ceremony -- Purposes
1. Psychological benefits
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Will Execution Ceremony -- Purposes
1. Psychological benefits
2. Effectuate client’s intent
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Will Execution Ceremony -- Purposes
1. Psychological benefits
2. Effectuate client’s intent
3. Limit exposure to malpractice claims
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Will Execution Ceremony –pp. 109-116
1. Before ceremony
2. Ceremony
3. After ceremony
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Warning!!!
Drafting a will and supervising a will execution ceremony = the practice of law.
Do NOT engage in this conduct until licensed.
NO exception that testator knows you are unlicensed or you are not being paid.