What is the Definition of a Last Will and Testament?

The terms “last will and testament” and “will” often are used interchangeably and today mean the same thing. Both refer to a legal document that outlines a person’s final wishes regarding the distribution of assets and property after death and often other matters, such as the guardianship of minor children. 

Will is often used as a short alternative to last will and testament, though “will” can be a broader term that can refer to several different kinds of documents, such as a joint will, living will and, more recently, the testamentary will.

The term “last will and testament” is more specific, describing only the document that gives instructions on how an estate is to be distributed, how minor children are to be cared for, and perhaps other matters.

Traditional Definition of Last Will and Testament

Traditionally, a will and testament were two separate documents. A will dealt with only instructions regarding real estate and structures on it. 

A testament contained instructions for the disposition of personal property, such as money, jewelry, vehicles, precious goods, household items etc. 

The last will and testament traditionally contained the same information as a will does now. 

What is In a Last Will and Testament?

A last will and testament describes the testator’s wishes for the distribution of the estate and perhaps other matters. 

A last will and testament includes the following requirements to ensure its validity and that it will be followed during probate, the process in which a court of law determines the validity of the will and administers the estate.

• The testator must demonstrate capacity and competency at the time the will is made, and that he or she is executing the document without duress or undue influence. Any person over the age of 18 with testamentary capacity, or sound mind, is legally able to execute a valid will.
• The document should be in writing, and typed, in any language and on any material. There are exceptions in some states, like the holographic will, which is entirely handwritten.
• It should be dated and signed in the presence of at least two witnesses (more in some states), who are disinterested and not listed as beneficiaries. The witnesses will sign and attest that the testator was willing and competent at the time he or she signed the last will and testament.
• The testator’s signature should be placed at the very end, signing into effect everything before the signature. Often, any writing after the signature is not considered by the probate court unless its validity is determined separately.
• The document should clearly state it is intended as the will of the testator and that it is executed without duress or undue influence.

Valuable contributions to this summary of “What is the definition of a Last Will and Testament?” were made by Bob Carlson, editor of the Retirement Watch financial advisory service and chairman of the Board of Trustees of Virginia’s Fairfax County Employees’ Retirement System with more than $4 billion in assets.

Katie Kao is an editorial intern with Eagle Financial Publications.