Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Agribusiness Practice Test

Which of the following is true about the requirements for a valid will?

1. Must be witnessed by the testator

2. Must state the intended beneficiaries

3. Must be made after an attorney's review

4. Must be signed by the testator

The correct answer is: Must be signed by the testator

The requirement that a will must be signed by the testator is fundamental for its validity. This signature serves as a confirmation that the testator, the person who creates the will, is intentionally and voluntarily creating the document to outline how their assets will be distributed upon their death. The signature indicates that the testator agrees to the terms set forth in the will and intends for those terms to be enforced legally. In many jurisdictions, a will that is not signed may be considered invalid, leading to complications and potentially resulting in the distribution of the testator's estate in accordance with state intestacy laws rather than their wishes. This requirement is essential because it provides a clear indication of the testator's intent, which is a core principle in the law governing wills and estates. Other requirements related to wills, such as the necessity for witnesses or the specification of beneficiaries, can vary across different legal jurisdictions but signing is universally recognized as a critical element for establishing a valid will.