Can A Will Be Signed By Initials In Texas

Written by Robert Ray

Robert Ray is the Editor and owner of this site. Board Certified, Personal Injury Trial Law — Texas Board of Legal Specialization. We handle inheritance disputes throughout Texas. Our principal office is in Lantana, Texas (DFW area).

Last updated Apr 29, 2020

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What are the requirements of a will in Texas

Texas requires that a will be in writing and signed by the testator or signed by another person on behalf of the testator and in the testator’s presence and under the testator’s direction.

Can a will be signed by initials in Texas

What happens if instead of signing his name, the testator just initials the document?

Texas courts have been lenient regarding the location and form of a “signature.” They have approved an X as a sufficient signature on an attested will. The most important factor is that the testator intended his mark to constitute his signature. A signature by initials executes a will if the instrument is testamentary in character and if the testator meant his initials to be his signature. 862s.w.2d8.

Will contest in Texas

If someone is contesting a will in Texas and contends that the initials or the mark are not a sufficient signature, the issue at trial will be the testator’s intention when he initialed or put his mark on the document rather than whether or not the initials or the mark constitute a valid signature.

Who and What we Are

Robert Ray is Board Certified

Robert Ray is the Editor and owner of this site. Board Certified, Personal Injury Trial Law — Texas Board of Legal Specialization. We handle cases throughout Texas. Our principal office is in Lantana, Texas (DFW area).
Contesting a will in Texas

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