What is generally required for a valid will in most states?

For a will to be considered valid in most states, it typically requires exact compliance with legal formalities, which include being in written form, signed by the testator, and witnessed by at least two individuals who are present at the same time. This strict adherence serves to ensure that the testator's intentions are clear and to prevent fraud or misunderstanding regarding the testator's wishes.

Exact compliance is crucial because it helps protect the integrity of the wills process, ensuring that the decedent's true intentions are honored. Failure to meet these requirements can result in the will being deemed invalid, leading to intestacy laws taking effect, where the estate is distributed according to state law rather than the deceased's wishes.

While substantial compliance may be recognized in some jurisdictions under specific circumstances, it is not the general standard across all states for validating a will. Options that suggest a lack of witnesses or a verbal declaration also do not meet the fundamental requirements typically necessary for a legally binding will.