What defines a formal will?

A formal will is defined by the requirement that it is signed by the testator, the individual creating the will, in the presence of witnesses. This process helps ensure authenticity and reduces the potential for disputes regarding the testator's intentions. The presence of witnesses serves as a safeguard against fraud and ensures that the testator is legally competent and making the will voluntarily.

In contrast, a will that is written and unsigned lacks the necessary formalities to be considered valid. Digital representations of a will, while they may be used in some jurisdictions, are not universally accepted as formal wills and often require specific legal frameworks to be valid. A will that includes multiple codicils might add complexity but does not define a formal will by itself; rather, it simply is a will with amendments. Therefore, the correct understanding of a formal will centers around the requirement for the testator's signature in the presence of witnesses.