03. What makes a will valid?

For a person's will to be valid, they must be:

• 'mentally capable' (which means they fully understand what they are doing in writing their will); and
• at least 18 years old (though you can make a will if you are younger and on active military service).

The will must:

• have been made without 'undue influence' (for example, without a threat from someone);
• be in writing;
• be signed by the person whose will it is (the 'will-maker 'or 'testator') and by the two witnesses, who must all be together when the signing is done (see 'Who can be a witness?' below); and
• be dated when it has been signed.