Skip to content
English
Contact us
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

How to Make Your Will Legally Valid

You've done something meaningful and you've put your wishes into writing. But there's one more stage before your will can do what you intend it to do: making it legally binding. This article walks you through exactly what that looks like, step by step. 

Your will is not legally valid until you have printed it, signed it in front of witnesses (in many states), and (in many states) had it notarized. 

Table of Contents

Why These Steps Matter 
Step 1: Download and Print Your Will 
Step 2: Sign in Front of Two Witnesses 
Step 3: Get Your Will Notarized 
Step 4: Store Your Will Safely 
Do I Need to Update My Will After Signing? 
Common Questions

Why These Steps Matter 

A will created digitally (even a carefully written, attorney-reviewed one) isn't enforceable on its own. The law requires a physical, signed document to ensure that what's recorded is genuinely what you intended, and that it wasn't signed under pressure or without full understanding. Think of the signing process as the moment your wishes become official.

The good news: you don't need a lawyer to complete this process. In most cases, all you need is your printed will, two witnesses, and a notary.

Step 1: Download and Print Your Will 

Your completed will is available to download directly from Paige.

  1. Log in to your Paige account and go to your Dashboard.
  2. Click the Will tile, then select Download your will.
  3. Save the PDF to your device and print a complete copy. Don't skip any pages — the full document needs to be present for signing.

A copy of your will is also automatically saved in your Paige document vault under Documents → Finance & Tax → Last Will and Testament for safekeeping.

Print the entire document. Partial copies or unsigned pages can create complications when the will is submitted to probate court later.

Step 2: Sign in Front of Two Witnesses 

Most states require that you sign your will in the presence of at least two witnesses. Your witnesses confirm they saw you sign the document willingly and that you appeared to be of sound mind.

Who can be a witness?

A best practice is to choose witnesses who:

  • Are 18 years of age or older
  • Are not named as beneficiaries in your will (this varies by state, but it's a widely recommended approach to avoid potential legal challenges)
  • Are not your spouse or domestic partner named in the will

Having an interested party, like someone who stands to inherit from your will, serve as a witness can raise questions about the validity of your will in some states. When in doubt, choose neutral witnesses.

How the signing typically works
  1. Gather all parties in the same room at the same time.
  2. Sign your full legal name on your will in front of both witnesses.
  3. Each witness then signs the will (and, where required, a self-proving affidavit) in your presence.

Your Paige-generated will includes general signing guidance during the finalization step. Because requirements can vary by state, a best practice is to also check your state's specific laws to confirm what's needed where you live.

Step 3: Get Your Will Notarized 

Notarization is the process by which a licensed notary public verifies the identities of the signers and officially witnesses the signing of a legal document. They stamp or seal the document to certify it's authentic.

Many states require notarization for a will to be legally valid. Some states use notarization to create what's called a self-proving will, which can simplify the probate process later by eliminating the need to track down your witnesses after you've passed.

Where to find a notary
  • Your local bank or credit union (often free for account holders)
  • Public libraries
  • UPS Store and FedEx Office locations
  • Local courthouse or county clerk's office
  • Online notarization services (available in many states — see below)

If you're a Paige member through a bank partner, it may be worth checking whether your bank offers notary services to customers. Many do, at no charge.

Online notarization

Several states now permit remote online notarization (RON), which allows you to meet with a notary via video call rather than in person. This can be a convenient option if getting to a physical location is difficult.

A best practice is to confirm whether your state explicitly allows RON for wills, as some states have specific requirements or restrictions. A quick search for "[your state] remote online notarization will" can give you up-to-date guidance.

Step 4: Store Your Will Safely 

Once your will is signed and notarized, how you store it matters. A will that can't be located when needed is nearly as problematic as not having one at all.

A best practice for storage
  • Keep the original signed copy somewhere secure and accessible. A fireproof home safe is a common choice
  • Consider leaving a copy with your executor so they know where to find it
  • Store a digital reference copy in your Paige vault (note: the physical signed original is the legally binding document)
  • Let at least one trusted person such as a delegate, executor, or close family member know where the original is kept

Do not store your original will in a safe deposit box at a bank unless someone else has authorized access. After a passing, families sometimes encounter delays accessing safe deposit boxes, which can slow down the probate process.

Should I file my will with the county clerk?

This can vary depending on where you live. Some states and counties allow or recommend filing your will with the county clerk's office for safekeeping. A best practice is to check with your local county clerk to understand what's available in your area, in some places this can be a helpful added layer of protection.

Do I Need to Update My Will After Signing? 

Life changes, and your will can, too. If you experience a major life event (marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a significant change in assets), it may be worth revisiting your will to make sure it still reflects your wishes and assets.

You can update your will at any time in Paige. Just keep in mind that any updated version will need to go through the full signing process again to be legally valid — a new signature, witnesses, and notarization.

"Update your will in Paige"

Common Questions

"What if I have questions about my specific situation?"

Paige is designed to make the will creation process as clear and guided as possible, but every situation is a little different. If you have questions about your specific circumstances (such as unusual assets, blended family situations, or state-specific concerns), the best practice is to consult with a licensed estate attorney in your state.