When you create a will in Michigan, witnesses play an important role in making sure your document holds up in court. Meeting the witness requirements helps confirm that your will shows your true intentions and protects it from challenges.
How many witnesses do you need?
Michigan law requires two witnesses to watch you sign your will. Both witnesses must sign the will too, showing that they saw you sign the document voluntarily and that you appeared competent at the time.
Who can serve as a witness?
Witnesses should be adults who understand what they witness. Michigan does not require witnesses to be disinterested, but it works best if they do not appear as beneficiaries in your will. Witnesses who stand to inherit may face challenges that could affect the will’s validity.
Are witnesses required to sign in person?
Yes, the signing must happen in the presence of you (the person making the will) and the other witness. This in-person rule helps prevent fraud and makes sure everyone sees the will being executed correctly.
Can witnesses sign at different times?
No. Both witnesses must sign the will during the same ceremony and while they are in each other’s presence. Signing separately at different times can invalidate the will.
What if a witness cannot read or write?
Witnesses must understand the signing process. If a witness cannot read or write, they can still sign with a mark, but they should understand their role. It works best to choose witnesses who are fully capable.
Following Michigan’s witness requirements keeps your will valid and lowers the chances of disputes after your death. Picking the right witnesses and signing correctly helps ensure people respect your final wishes.
