Can a beneficiary also serve as a witness to a will?

A beneficiary can indeed serve as a witness to a will, but this choice acknowledges an important legal nuance: doing so may impact their ability to inherit. This is because many jurisdictions impose rules that disqualify a beneficiary witness from receiving an inheritance under that will unless there are enough disinterested witnesses to meet the legal requirements.

While the laws vary by state, the presence of a beneficiary as a witness can lead to challenges regarding the validity of their claim to a gift under the will. The rationale behind this rule is to prevent potential conflicts of interest and ensure that witnesses are unbiased. Thus, while it is permissible for a beneficiary to witness the will, the potential for disqualification does create a significant risk to their inheritance, which is why this choice is the most accurate.

In contrast, the other options either incorrectly state the rules regarding witnesses or do not recognize the implications of a beneficiary's involvement in the witnessing process. It's crucial for anyone drafting a will to be aware of these legal intricacies to avoid complications in the administration of the estate.