Westbrook, CT asked in Estate Planning for Connecticut

Q: Questions about wills in CT. Can they be hand written and must they be notarized

Can witness be executor to the will

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2 Lawyer Answers
Steven Basche
PREMIUM
Answered

A: Connecticut allows handwritten (Holographic) wills under certain circumstances. The will must comply with all of the other requirements, including witnesses. A beneficiary cannot be witness to the will, unless they are also an heir (meaning someone who would get a part of the estate if there were no will). The executor can be a witness, but if they are a beneficiary (they get something from the will) but they are not an heir (next of kin), the will be disqualified. You should hire a lawyer to help.

A: They should not be handwritten, they must be notarized or signed by a commissioner of the superior court (attorney), and witnesses should all be disinterested parties. The executor may not be someone receiving a share of the estate but it is recommended that they do not sign as a witness. You should definitely seek the assistance of an attorney to draft and oversee the execution of your Will.

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