A will is not necessary if couples hold their property jointly with mutual rights of survivorship. A will insures that my estate will avoid the expense of probate after my death. The laws regarding wills are basically the same in all 50 states. Any person who is completely sound and normal, mentally and morally, can make a valid will. A will guarantees privacy in the disposing of my estate so that my affairs will not become part of any public record.
Wills never require more than two witnesses.
A handwritten will, unwitnessed, can be valid. An oral will can never be valid. A living trust is difficult to understand and very expensive to set up and, therefore, should be avoided by those with average estates. An executor need not be named for a small estate. A good will professionally prepared, rarely needs revision.