What is necessary for a will to be considered valid in most jurisdictions?

For a will to be considered valid in most jurisdictions, it is essential that the testator, who is the person creating the will, signs the document in the presence of witnesses, who must also sign the will. This process helps ensure that the testator has the necessary mental capacity to create a will and that they are doing so without undue influence. The requirement for witnesses serves a dual purpose: it provides assurance that the will was created and executed properly, and it helps prevent fraud by verifying the identity of the testator at the time of signing.

Other options fall short of the legal requirements for will validity. Notarization, while helpful in some contexts, does not replace the need for witnesses in many jurisdictions. Joint signatures from beneficiaries are not typically required and could even complicate matters if interpreted as joint ownership of the will. Additionally, while a lawyer can provide valuable assistance in drafting a will and ensuring its compliance with local laws, the approval of a lawyer is not necessary for the will to be valid. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the importance of the testator's signature and the presence of witnesses to uphold the legitimacy of the will.