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Will formal requirements 101

The law stipulates formal requirements for a will. It must be written, dated and signed by hand.

Carl and the formal requirements for wills

Carl Computer:

My handwriting is no longer the best. Can I write my will on a computer? My handwriting is no longer the best. Can I write my will on a computer?

Answer:

Hello Carl

No, unfortunately that is not possible. The law stipulates formal requirements for a will.

To be valid, a will must firstly be written by hand from beginning to end, secondly dated and thirdly signed.

If you are not in a position to do this or it is too much work for you, you have the option of having a public will drawn up by a notary.

Picture of Matthias Fricker

Matthias Fricker

Attorney at law and partner at Fricker and Füllemann Attorneys at Law
Studied at the University of St. Gallen, graduating with a Master in Law (M.A. HSG in Law) in 2012, registered in the Bar Register of the Canton of Zurich, member of the Zurich Bar Association.

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Picture of Fabian Füllemann

Fabian Füllemann

Attorney at law and partner at Fricker and Füllemann Attorneys at Law
Studied at the Universities of St. Gallen and Zurich, graduating with a Master of Law UZH in 2013, registered with the Zurich Bar Registry, member of the Zurich Bar Association.

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