Which type of will is formally prepared by an attorney, witnessed and signed?

• A. Formal will
• B. Holographic will
• C. Nuncupative will
• D. Mystic will

Answer: (A)

In estate planning, a formal will is the one that is prepared by an attorney and executed with proper formalities. This means a written document drafted by a professional, signed by the testator in the presence of witnesses who also sign, satisfying the legal requirements for validity. Involving an attorney helps ensure the language clearly expresses the wishes and that the document follows state statutes, reducing the risk of disputes during probate. By contrast, a holographic will is handwritten by the testator and may not be witnessed, a nuncupative will is an oral statement usually made before witnesses, and a mystic will is a sealed or secret instrument with its own probate rules. The formal will’s structured preparation and witnessing make it the best fit for the description.