Characteristics of a will

1) Dispositionary:  A will disposes the deceased’s property.

2) Formality:  For a will to be valid, it  must be written and signed by the deceased and appropriate witnesses. Oral wills area only valid if the testator dies within three months of making the will.

3) Alterations:  Alterations to the will e.g. in form of codicils, need to be signed and witnesses appropriately.

4) Posts-humous effect:  A will only takes effect after the testator is dead.  Thus, it is often said that a will is a device through which the dead can rule the living fro their graves.

5) Capacity:  The testator must have the capacity to make a will at the time that he makes the will e.g. he must be of sound mind.

6) Legality:  The will must be legal for it to be upheld in law.