Download - Attested (witnessed) Holographic (handwritten) Nuncupative (oral) Others Military Notarized (UPC)
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4. Formalities
Introduction
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Formalities depend on type of will
Attested (witnessed)
Holographic (handwritten)
Nuncupative (oral)
Others Military Notarized (UPC)
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Formalities Policies
Ritual or cautionary
Evidentiary
Protective
Channeling
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My thoughts on Super Bowl
A. Great game, especially the last few minutes.
B. Who cares about the game, but the commercials were mostly great.
C. Who cares about the game and the commercials were mostly bad.
D. Who cares about the game, but the Half Time show was awesome.
E. I did something way more worthwhile than watching the game.
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4. Formalities
Attested Will
EC § 251.051
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Formalities Overview
1. Written
2. Signed
3. Witnessed
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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. Estates Code
By the testator’s direction, and
In the testator’s presence.
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Proxy Signatures
Your best client calls you and says, “I just saw four wiggling feet in the bed. Please tear up my will.” You comply. What result?A. Will is revoked.B. Will remains effective.C. Will might be revoked.
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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. 95
Substantial compliance approach rejected.
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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. 98
But is needed for SPA
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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. 101
Visually-impaired testators
Morris – p. 104, 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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4. Formalities
[continued]
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Witness as Beneficiary -- EC § 254.002
1. Effect on will
None – will remains valid.
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Witness as Beneficiary -- EC § 254.002
2. Effect on beneficiary’s gift
Void, unless an exception applies.
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Witness as Beneficiary -- EC § 254.002
3. Exceptions
a. If beneficiary is also an heir, beneficiary receives smaller of will and intestate share.
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Witness as Beneficiary -- EC § 254.002
3. Exceptions
b. Will is otherwise established (e.g., another witness).
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Witness as Beneficiary -- EC § 254.002
3. Exceptions
c. Corroboration by disinterested and credible person.
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Self-Proving AffidavitEC §§ 251.104 & 251.1045
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 AffidavitEC §§ 251.104
1. Traditional – two-step with “double” signatures.
SPA is separatedocument.
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Self-Proving AffidavitEC § 251.1045
2. Modern (as ofSeptember 1,2011) – one-
step with “single” signatures.
SPA is insidethe will.
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Self-Proving Affidavit
The Boren issue – p. 107
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Selecting Witnesses
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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
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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
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.