The first requirement for a written will is, naturally, that it must be in writing. (Certain states allow oral wills. However, oral wills usually must meet very stringent and particular requirements to be valid.)

The traditional modern method to place the will in writing is to write the will on a word processor and print out the will after completing it. Lawyers that assist testators in writing a will usually use some type of software with standardized clauses, and they add, delete, and edit the will to meet the needs of the testator. Then, they print out the will and have the testator and witnesses sign the will (which we’ll discuss later in this article).

However, the element of placing the will in writing simply means that the intent of testator must be written down on something. So, technically you could write your will on a napkin with a magic marker. There was even one obscure case where the testator wrote his intentions inside the shell of a coconut. But, it is most advisable to follow the traditional method of writing a will. And as we’ll see, even if you write your will on a napkin, you must meet the other formal requirements for the will to be valid.

Next, we’ll go over the second requirement to create a valid will.