What must a testator have to ensure their will is valid?

For a will to be considered valid, the testator must possess testamentary capacity. This means that the individual making the will must be of sound mind, understand the nature and effect of the will, and comprehend the extent of their property and the consequences of their decisions regarding who will inherit their estate. Testamentary capacity is a legal requirement that ensures individuals can make informed decisions about the distribution of their assets after death.

While some jurisdictions may have age requirements for making a will, the age of 21 is not universally applicable, and different jurisdictions have different standards for age that may be as low as 18. Approval from beneficiaries is also not required for a will to be valid; the testator's intentions are paramount over the preferences of the beneficiaries. Finally, while having knowledge of all estate assets may be beneficial for clarity and fairness in the distribution, it is not an absolute requirement for testamentary capacity or the legal standing of a will. Therefore, the focus on testamentary capacity as the essential condition ensures that a testator's intentions are respected while providing a safeguard against potential challenges to the will's validity.