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Louisiana Wills Laws
Explanation of Chart and More Information on Wills Laws
| Code Section | C.C. Art. 1476, 1575, 1577, 1578, 1579, 1581 |
| Age of Testator | To have the capacity to make a donation inter vivos or mortis causa, a person must also be able to comprehend generally the nature and consequences of the disposition that he is making. Minor over 16 can dispose only mortis causa (in prospect of death). |
| Number of Witnesses | Signed in presence of notary and two competent witnesses. |
| Nuncupative (Oral Wills) | Valid by: (1) Public Act: must be received by notary public in presence of 3 witnesses residing in place of execution or 5 not residing in place; must be written by notary as dictated and read to testator in presence of witnesses; must be signed by testator or expressly mentioned why he cannot and signed by at least one witness; (2) Act Under Private Signature: written by testator or another from his dictation and presented in front of 5 witnesses who reside in place of execution or 7 who do not (3 and 5 consecutively, if in the country and no other witnesses can be had). |
| Holographic Wills | Valid if entirely written, dated, and signed by testator; it is not subject to any other formality and may be made anywhere (even out-of-state). |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Research the Law:
- Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
Related Resources for Wills Laws:
FAQs
- Are there any special legal formalities required to make my will legally valid?
- Can I disinherit my spouse and children?
- What if the executor I choose can't serve when the time comes, or doesn't want to?
- In my will, can I leave my property to anyone I wish?
- Does it matter who my witnesses are?