Signing and execution of a will – same thing?

Signing and execution mean different things

Signing a document is not the same thing as having to execute it.  We might talk about signing a will but technically, a will is required by law to be executed.  So what does execution mean?


Making a valid will – what are the requirements?


By: B Stead

Leaving a valid will effective under the law

Making a valid will is important to its effectiveness.  The word ‘valid’ in law means to be legally effective and having legal force.Who else needs to sign a will?

A will documents a person’s intentions for what they want to have happen when they die, see What is a will.  It contains their instructions on who is to inherit their property and how, who will administer its disposal and any preferred arrangements for their funeral, .  If their intentions are to be legally effective, and ultimately put into effect, the will needs to be valid and comply with the legal rules.