Also known as: international wills · uniform international will
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A will executed in conformity with the formalities set out in Sections 2-1002 through 2-1005 of the Uniform Probate Code.
Ismael Ibrahim lay in a hospital bed after a stroke and could not hold a pen. He told the authorized person and two witnesses that he could not sign because of paralysis. The authorized person noted the reason on the document and, at Ismael's direction, another person present signed Ismael's name. The absence of Ismael's own signature did not invalidate the instrument as an international will.
Igor Ito prepared a document in Spanish directing the disposition of his foreign accounts. He appeared before an authorized person and two witnesses, declared that the document was his will and that he knew its contents, signed it, and had the witnesses and authorized person attest. The resulting instrument satisfied the definition of an international will.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
The testator must declare in the presence of two witnesses and an authorized person that the document is the testator's will and that the testator knows its contents. The testator need not reveal the actual provisions to the witnesses or authorized person.
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Yes. The will may be written in any language by the testator or by another person and by any means, including handwriting or electronic text.
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No. The invalidity of a document as an international will does not affect its possible validity as a will of another kind under ordinary state law.
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Attorneys admitted to practice and in good standing in the state are authorized persons, as are certain diplomatic and consular officials designated under federal regulations.
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