Are homemade wills valid?

The same requirements apply regardless of whether the will was drawn up by a lawyer or handwritten by the deceased at home. 

To be a valid will, the document must be:

1.  in writing;
   
   
2.  signed by the will maker;
   
   
3.  witnessed by at least two people who:

• • were both in the will-maker’s presence when her or she signed the will; and
    
    
  • both signed the will. 

If these requirements are not met, the will is invalid. However, where there is evidence to prove that the document expresses the deceased’s testamentary intentions, a court application can be made for an order validating the will.