Many people think about making their Delaware last will and testament as something that is only required long ahead in the future. While that could also work, there's no telling when something could happen that can lead to trouble for your loved ones. It's better to prepare for such uncertainties and protect your family by having everything in place. From deciding who would handle the estate affairs to the guardian of your kids, your last will is a crucial document of your life. You shouldn't waste any time creating it and deciding who would get what. It can be a simple process if you create an online last will without spending thousands of dollars. Know more about the rules before completing your last will and testament.
If you live in Delaware, here's what you should follow.
Requirements for a Delaware Last Will and Testament
- Written will: A Delaware last will and testament must be on paper to be legal. It cannot be audio, video, or other digital file forms. Delaware doesn't allow Holographic wills.
- Must be of at least 18 age
- Sound mind and memory: The testator for a Delaware last will must understand the will procedure, nature of their estate, and beneficiaries. For their last will to be valid, they must have a sound mind and memory.
- Signed by the testator: To make it legal, you must sign your Delaware last will and testament before your two witnesses.
- Signed by the witnesses: You must have at least two witnesses for the will. They should acknowledge and sign the will before you.
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Who can be your witnesses for a Delaware Last Will and Testament?
Your witnesses for a Delaware last will must follow these conditions:
-Anyone who is competent may testify in Delaware.
-They should to be able to give testimony regarding what they witnessed and the will-writing procedure.
-Beneficiaries shouldn't be chosen as witnesses as they could lose the estate portion or any gift you leave them.
Delaware rules for a personal representative or an executor
Choosing an executor for your Delaware last will would be better than leaving it to uncertainty. However, an executor should follow these guidelines to be eligible for the role:
- Must be at least 18 or above
- Capable of performing the job, i.e., of a sound mind.
- Delaware doesn't restrict people convicted of a felony from being executors.
- Delaware allows you to choose someone out of state as your executor. They must appoint the Register of wills as their agent through an irrevocable power of attorney.
Last will and Testament Notarization in Delaware
You don't have to get your Delaware last will and testament notarized. To expedite the probate procedure, you should include a self-proving affidavit with the final will. Here's how to go about it:
- Find a notary public to make a self-proving affidavit for the will.
- You and the witnesses must go to the notary and sign the affidavit, stating who you are and that you know you're signing a will.
Delaware Last Will Revocation
You could follow any of the following methods to revoke your Delaware last will and testament:
- Destroy or cancel your last will by tearing, burning, obliterating, and shredding.
- Asking someone else to destroy your last will
- Making a new legal will that revokes any part or the entire previous will.
- Creating a new document that states the revocation of your Delaware will.
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Delaware Last Will Amendment Rules
If you wish to make some minor and simple changes to your Delaware last will, you can do it through a Codicil. It will allow you to introduce changes to your existing will and avoid revoking it.
However, you must follow the same guidelines to make a legal codicil as for an original will. If you want to make multiple amendments, it's better to make a new will that revokes the previous one.
Delaware rules for divorce after making your last will
- Delaware law revokes any gift you leave to your spouse.
- Revokes any appointment of your spouse as the trustee or executor
- However, the provisions will stand if you state otherwise in your Delaware will.
What happens if you don't have a will in Delaware?
Last Will and Testament Delaware Free Template
You can quickly create a simple estate plan by downloading a Last Will and Testament Delaware free template. It will be the best option if you don't have a large estate or complicated finances. You could check out the template and follow the necessary requirements to make your new Delaware last will and testament. Once you go through the details and follow the required steps:
- Connect on TrulyWill and create your account.
- Discuss any issues or complications about your finances and personal relationships with our attorneys.
- Sign or notarize the document, depending on your state requirements.
This template and sample last will and testament would allow you to examine what your will would look like. You can change the will template depending on your personal preferences for estate distribution.
Some instances where it would be prudent to consult our experts before finalizing your will would be when you have a high net worth or complicated family and personal relationships. We also provide additional services for those unique requests:
- Online expert support: You can connect with our experts online and clear your doubts.
- Attorney support: For some specific and unique requirements, we also offer additional attorney support services for your will and trust.
Before moving further, it's critical to speak with a professional if you're dealing with any of these problems. They could personally assist you with any questions you may have and write a strong and legally valid Delaware last will and testament.
