Describe the formalities of a valid will.

      

Describe the formalities of a valid will.

  

Answers


Maurice
Under section 8 of the Act, a will may be made either orally or in writing.
The validity of an oral will is dictated by two factors:
(a) The declaration must be made before two or more competent witnesses.

(b) The testators death must occur within three months of the declaration.

However, an oral will made by a member of the armed forces or merchant marine during a
period of active service remains valid after three months provided death occurs during the same
period of active service.

Formalities of a written will
(i) Writing: there must be some writing. The law does not prescribe any form. It may
be handwritten, typed or printed. The law does not prescribe the wording of a will.

(ii) Signature or mark: it must contain the signature or mark of the testor or some other person
who signs in the presence of and in accordance with the directions of the testator.

(iii) Position of signature: the signature or mark must be placed as to show that it was
intended to give effect to the writing as a will.

(iv) Attestation: the will must be attested to by two or more competent witnesses. The law does
not insist on any form of attestation.

(v) Presence of witnesses: all witnesses must sign the will in the presence of the
tastator. However, they need not be present at the same time.
maurice.mutuku answered the question on April 26, 2018 at 09:43


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