The Law (Estates Code 251.001) – a person of sound mind has the right and power to make a will if…

Did the person signing the Will have what is called “testamentary capacity”?

At the time the Will was signed the person must be of sound mind enough to:

  • Know they were making a Will and how it disposes of their property upon death.
  • Have an idea of what property they have and its approximate value.
  • Know who their heirs are and how the Will plans to distribute their estate to them.
  • Must be able to connect these dots and know what’s happening.

This is by no means meant to be a checklist or a complete list but hopefully you get the point.

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PS. Helpful tip – If the mental capacity of the person signing the Will is in question at all – have a physician evaluate them before the Will signing.  Have them write a letter as to capacity.