Your Will: The Foundation for Your Family’s Future

Your will is the foundation of your estate plan. It tells the court who should inherit your property, who should care for your minor children, and who should handle your affairs after death.

What Makes a Will Valid?

Every state has its own rules, but the core requirements are fairly consistent. In Alabama, for example, a valid will must:

• Be in writing
• Be signed by the testator (the person making the will)
• Be witnessed by two people who saw the testator sign and saw each other sign
• Be made by someone at least 18 years old and of sound mind

These rules are designed to protect your intentions and prevent disputes later on. If any of these steps are skipped, the court may not honor the will—no matter how clear your wishes were.

Updating and Revoking Your Will

You can change or revoke your will at any time—as long as you have the mental capacity to do so. Major life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child are especially important moments to revisit your will and make sure it still reflects your wishes.

Real World Scenario: When a Will Misses the Mark

Lena decided to write her own will using information she found online. She asked a neighbor to sign it, then brought it to work and had a co-worker witness her signature after the fact.

Unfortunately, because the signing process didn’t follow the required legal steps, Lena’s will isn’t valid. Even though her intentions were clear, the court can’t honor a will that doesn’t meet formal execution standards.

Will and Trust Packages

Simple, Flat Rate Pricing

At Heircraft Planning, we believe estate planning should bring peace of mind—not surprise costs. That’s why we offer predictable, all-inclusive pricing based on the type of plan that fits your needs. Most families choose either a Will-Based Plan or a Trust-Based Plan, and we’ll walk you through both options during your first meeting. Your plan is personal, and so is our process. We’ll guide you with care, answer every question, and adjust along the way—because when life changes, your estate plan should too.