Last Will and Testament in Georgia
A simple will form for straightforward estates. A will is valid only if it is signed and witnessed exactly as your state requires (below); one that is not executed correctly may be ignored by the court. Larger estates, blended families, trusts for minor children or business interests are worth a lawyer's review.
What Georgia law says
| Requirements for a valid will | Anyone 14 or older may make a will unless they lack mental capacity or full freedom of action. The will must be in writing and signed by the will-maker (or by another person in the will-maker's presence and at their direction), and attested and signed in the will-maker's presence by at least two competent witnesses. Official code not freely readable online; text verified on a public code mirror (code year 2024). Source: O.C.G.A. §§ 53-4-10, 53-4-20 |
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| Self-proving affidavit | Yes. The will-maker and the witnesses may sign an affidavit before a notary public, either when the will is signed or later while they are all alive. With the notary's certificate attached, the will can be admitted to probate without testimony from the witnesses. The statute gives the affidavit wording. Official code not freely readable online; text verified on a public code mirror (code year 2024). Source: O.C.G.A. § 53-4-24 |
| Handwritten (holographic) wills | No. Georgia has no separate rule for handwritten wills; every will, handwritten or not, must be signed and attested by at least two competent witnesses. Official code not freely readable online; text verified on a public code mirror (code year 2024). Source: O.C.G.A. § 53-4-20 |
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LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF [your full name]
I, [your full name], of [city, county and state], being of sound mind, make this my will and revoke all earlier wills and codicils.
1. Executor. I name [executor name] as personal representative (executor). If they cannot serve, I name [alternate executor name].
2. Specific gifts. I give [item or amount] to [beneficiary name].
3. Everything else. I give the rest of my property to [beneficiaries and shares]. If a beneficiary does not survive me by 30 days, their share goes to [alternate beneficiary].
4. Guardian. If I have minor children, I name [guardian name] as guardian, and [alternate guardian name] as alternate.
Signed on [date signed] at [city and state]. Signature: ____________________
Witnesses: we signed below in the presence of the person making this will and of each other, as required by state law. Witness 1: [witness 1 name and address] ____________ Witness 2: [witness 2 name and address] ____________
[Notary or self-proving affidavit, if your state provides one]
Last Will and Testament for other states · Georgia tenant rights
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.