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Dennis C. Carroll, Esq.

Can I have a hand-written will like Aretha Franklin?

Updated: Oct 25, 2023


Yes, as long as it is in writing and signed by the person making the will and signed by two witnesses, Connecticut law will recognize the document as your last will and testament. Connecticut also allows wills that were validly created in another state which may have requirements that are different from Connecticut law. Most states provide similar allowances.

Ms. Franklin created two hand-written wills that were signed according to Michigan law. The first will was kept in a locked box but the second will was found inside a notebook inside a couch. Although her second will did not state that the first will was voided, her second will contradicted the first will in several sections, thereby voiding those sections. If her second will was never found, then the first will would likely still be considered valid.


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