Creating a will can take anywhere from two to four weeks or more. Clients typically begin the process by meeting with an attorney who reviews their individual estate planning needs, identifies areas of concern and designs a plan that fits the client's goals and budget. Then, the attorney begins the will-drafting process.
A few weeks later, they meet again for a signing meeting to review and sign the plan and documents. The "signing ceremony" includes the client, a notary and two witnesses who won't benefit under the planning documents. Using witnesses who won't benefit from the will can be a safeguard against conflict of interest or coercion.