In Ohio, what is the requirement for establishing a will?

In Ohio, to establish a valid will, it is essential that the document is in writing and signed by the testator, who is the individual creating the will. Furthermore, it is critical that at least two witnesses are present to sign the will, affirming that they witnessed the testator's signature. This requirement of having two witnesses is intended to ensure the authenticity of the will and to provide evidence of the testator's intentions.

The requirement for witnesses helps to prevent potential disputes over the validity of the will after the testator has passed away. In Ohio, this reflects the principle that a will should be a clear expression of the testator's wishes, requiring corroboration by impartial observers at the time of its signing.

While there are other forms such as holographic wills or nuncupative wills that may be recognized under specific circumstances in various jurisdictions, generally, Ohio law abides by these formalities for a will to be considered valid and enforceable.