Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Indiana

Re: witness to a will

For the valid execution of a will which the testator (the person writing the will) intends to take effect upon his death, 2 persons must witness his signature. Notarization is not required.

The testator and the 2 witnesses must be in the same room during the entire time the signature process occurs.

Witnesses are not required to know more than the fact that the document is the testator's will; that is, they do not have to read the will.

After executing the will, the testator and the witnesses may also execute a "self proving clause" and attach that to the will. This certifies that the will was executed as required by law and means that when the testator dies, the witnesses do not have to be found to testify in court.