What are the requirements to make a Will in Arizona?

The requirements to make a Will in Arizona are dependent on the type of Will.

Arizona requires two witnesses to establish the validity of a Will. The witnesses can see the testator sign the Will. Alternately, the testator can confirm that the signature on the Will is the testator’s signature. The witnesses must sign the Will in the presence of each other and the testator. Arizona state law does not require a Will to be notarized. However, if the Will is also notarized it will automatically be accepted as being valid. The Arizona law on Wills is A.R.S. 14-4502.

In Arizona, an individual can also make a valid Will without witnesses if they prepare a “holographic” Will. A holographic Will is a document that is in the testator’s own handwriting directing the disposition of their assets and is signed by the testator. The Arizona law authorizing holographic Wills reads as follows:

14-2503. Holographic will

A will that does not comply with section 14-2502 is valid as a holographic will, whether or not witnessed if the signature and the material provisions are in the handwriting of the testator.