We use cookies to improve security, personalize the user experience, enhance our marketing activities (including cooperating with our marketing partners) and for other business use.
Click "here" to read our Cookie Policy. By clicking "Accept" you agree to the use of cookies. Read less
Read more
Accept

Can a will be validly signed with initials?

Full question:

Can a will be signed with just initials?

Answer:

Yes, case law has found that initials and other marks can validly execute a will. However, it's advisable to use the full name of the will maker whenever possible.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

A handwritten letter may not override a formal will unless it meets specific legal requirements to be considered a valid will itself. Generally, a will must be executed according to state laws, which often include being signed by the testator and witnessed. If the handwritten letter lacks these elements, it likely won't have the legal effect of overriding an existing will.

Find a legal form that suits your needs

Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.

This field is required
Select state
Select state
  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Guam
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Multi-State
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Puerto Rico
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virgin Islands
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Related questions

Can we create our own will in New York for Florida property?
Wills and Estates
New York
Is a will valid without a witness's signature?
Wills and Estates
Arizona
Are online living wills legally binding in court?
Living Wills
Alabama
Are pap smears covered once a year in Pennsylvania?
Insurance
Pennsylvania
Do I need to update my will if my address and phone number have changed?
Wills and Estates
Pennsylvania
What are the requirements for a revocable trust in North Carolina?
Trusts
North Carolina
Does a will need to be filed with a legal agency?
Wills and Estates
Tennessee
Can a will in Massachusetts be witnessed after notarization?
Witnesses
Massachusetts
Is an unsigned will valid after my grandfather's death?
Wills and Estates
New York
Do I need to rewrite my will if I forgot my middle name?
Wills and Estates
Texas